How Often Should Your Business Schedule Shredding? Frequency Guide

Frequently Asked Question: How Often Should We Shred?

The right frequency depends on several factors. Here's how to determine the optimal schedule for your business.

Quick Assessment

Shred Weekly If:

• High volume of sensitive documents daily
• Strict compliance requirements (healthcare, legal, financial)
• Limited secure storage space
• Multiple staff handling confidential materials

Shred Fortnightly If:

• Moderate document volumes
• Standard business confidentiality needs
• Adequate secure storage between collections
• Consistent document generation

Shred Monthly If:

• Lower document volumes
• Small office or small team
• Good internal security controls
• Cost-conscious approach acceptable

Shred On-Demand If:

• Irregular document volumes
• Seasonal business patterns
• Project-based work with periodic cleanouts
• Minimal ongoing confidential paperwork

Industry Recommendations

Weekly Service:

• Medical practices and hospitals
• Law firms
• Accounting firms during tax season
• Financial services
• HR departments (large organisations)
• Government agencies

Fortnightly Service:

• Professional services firms
• Medium-sized businesses (20-100 staff)
• Real estate agencies
• Insurance offices
• Schools and educational institutions

Monthly Service:

• Small businesses (under 20 staff)
• Retail operations
• Trade businesses
• Non-profits
• Low-sensitivity industries

Calculating Your Needs

Step 1: Measure Current Volume

For one month, track how quickly your secure bins fill. Note:

• Number of bins
• Size of bins
• Days to fill

Step 2: Apply Safety Margin

Don't let bins overflow. Schedule collection when bins are 70-80% full.

Step 3: Consider Seasonal Variation

• EOFY: Volumes increase
• Tax time: Accounting firms surge
• Project completions: Periodic peaks

Signs You Need More Frequent Service

Red Flags:

• Bins overflowing before collection
• Staff placing documents on top of full bins
• Secure bins become "general storage"
• Documents sitting in boxes waiting for collection
• Compliance concerns from management

Signs You're Over-Servicing

Consider Reducing If:

• Bins less than 30% full at collection
• Paying for mostly empty containers
• Staff struggling to fill bins

Flexible Scheduling Options

Regular Scheduled Service:

• Same day/time each period
• Set and forget
• Predictable costs

On-Call Service:

• Call when you need collection
• Ideal for variable volumes
• Slightly higher per-collection cost

Combination Approach:

• Monthly scheduled base service
• On-call for peak periods
• Best of both worlds

Cost Optimisation

Too Frequent:

• Higher total cost
• Paying for capacity you don't use

Too Infrequent:

• Security gaps between collections
• Staff workarounds create risk
• Potential compliance issues

Right Balance:

• Bins 70-80% full at collection
• No overflow situations
• Staff confidence in the system

Getting Started

Our Recommendation:

Start with fortnightly service. After 2-3 months, review fill rates and adjust. We'll help you find the right frequency for your specific needs.

Not sure? Book a consultation and we'll assess your requirements.