Shred bins are designed to keep your documents safe between shredding services. Keep your private information safe by regularly shredding your documents, and use this article to find the right shred bin for your intermediate storage needs.
What is a Shred Bin?
Shred bins are equipped with secure hasps so that the lid can be padlocked to prevent unauthorized access to documents waiting for shredding. To avoid needing to regularly unlock containers, shred bins are designed to be like a mailbox with a one-way slot for depositing documents for shredding. For large-scale shredding, high-capacity bins are equipped with wheels to more efficiently transport them to the shredder.
The Importance of Shred Bins
Shredding bins are an essential tool for a secure shredding policy. Locking bins allow you to safely store your files between shredding sessions — helping you to minimize shredding and stay compliant with security and privacy laws like HIPAA and FACTA.
Different Shred Bin Types
There are different types and sizes of shred bins to match the different sizes of shredding projects. With shredding services like on-site mobile and off-site destruction, the provider will supply shred bins. See below for common shred bin sizes:
| Bin Type | Avg. Height | Avg. Width | Avg. Depth | Avg. Weight | Avg. Volume |
| Personal Shred Console (PDC) | 14” | 17” | 12” | 20 lbs | 6 gal |
| Mini Shred Bin | 27” | 19” | 16” | 75 lbs | 24 gal |
| Standard Shred Bin | 35” | 19” | 19” | 100 lbs | 32 gal |
| Shredding Tote | 38” | 16” | 20” | 120 lbs | 32 gal |
| Shredding Cart | 43” | 25” | 32” | 230 lbs | 64 gal |
| Large Shredding Cart | 46” | 30” | 36” | 340 lbs | 96 gal |
| Extra Large Shredding Cart | 48” | 49” | 31” | 600 lbs | 175 gal |
To determine which shred bin suits you best, it’s helpful to calculate how much paper you collect between shredding.
Calculating How Much You Have to Shred
Calculating the amount of paper you have to shred doesn’t have to be difficult. Refer to the table below to see various types of common containers and how much paper they typically hold.
| Container | Avg. Weight | Avg. Volume | Ideal Bin |
| Standard Letter/Legal Box | 30 lbs | 9 gal | PDC/Mini Shred Bin |
| Vertical File Cabinet (3 drawer – 24” drawers) | 90 lbs | 28 gal | Standard Shred Bin/Tote |
| Lateral File Cabinet (2 drawer – 30” drawers) | 120 lbs | 37 lbs | Shredding Cart |
| Pallet Stacked 4 Rows High (low) | 1,500 lbs | 457 gal | Extra Large Shred Cart |
| Pallet Stacked 5 Rows High (standard) | 1,800 lbs | 549 gal | Extra Large Shred Cart |
| Pallet Stacked 6 Rows High (maximum) | 2,160 lbs | 659 gal | Extra Large Shred Cart |
Need Shred Bins for Secure Shredding?
Shred Nations partners with secure document shredding providers throughout North America. Find a service solution for your shredding needs, and place secure shred bins throughout your office for continuous collection of sensitive documents.
Get free quotes on safe shredding services near you — call us today at (800) 747-3365 or fill out our form to get your no-obligation estimates.
