All-You-Need-to-Know Guide to Paper Shredding

You're doing what you need to do to protect your digital data from identity theft, but paper documents containing personal, financial, or confidential information also need secure disposal. Paper shredding helps reduce the risk of sensitive information being recovered from discarded documents. Protect your business and personal information with this guide to paper shredding, shredder security levels, machine selection, and basic maintenance.

Some organizations use off-site or mobile shredding services when they accumulate large volumes of documents. Another option is to handle paper shredding in-house with a machine that matches the required security level and workload. The right choice depends on the sensitivity of the documents, how much paper needs to be destroyed, and how frequently shredding is performed.

Handling document destruction in-house can also give your team more control over when sensitive paperwork is shredded rather than storing it until a scheduled collection.

Ask yourself these questions before buying a shredding machine:

1. What security level do I need?

• Modern paper shredders use DIN 66399 security levels ranging from P-1 through P-7. Higher P-levels produce smaller particles and provide greater protection against document reconstruction. Choose the level based on the sensitivity of the information you plan to destroy.

• P-1: Suitable for general, non-sensitive paper where information security is not a concern.
• P-2: Intended for internal documents that do not contain sensitive personal or business information.
• P-3: Common for confidential office documents and general business information that requires a higher level of protection.
• P-4: Provides stronger document security and is commonly considered for paperwork containing personal, financial, medical, or other sensitive information.
• P-5: Designed for highly sensitive information that requires very small shredded particles.
• P-6: Used where very high document security is required, including some classified or restricted information.
• P-7: The highest paper security level under DIN 66399, intended for extremely sensitive or classified documents where very fine particle destruction is required.

For a more detailed comparison, review MyBinding's guide to shredder security levels.

2. What kind of materials will I shred? Paper shredders vary in what they can safely process. Depending on the model, some machines can handle staples, paper clips, credit cards, CDs, DVDs, or other media in addition to paper. Always check the machine specifications before shredding anything other than standard documents. Feeding unsupported materials through a shredder can cause jams or damage the cutting mechanism.

3. How often will I shred? Consider how many sheets you typically shred at one time and how frequently the machine will be used. Important specifications include sheet capacity, continuous run time, cooldown requirements, bin capacity, and recommended workload. A machine designed for occasional personal use may not be suitable for a busy office, while a higher-capacity shredder can make repeated paper shredding more efficient.

4. Which cut type is right for my documents? Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long strips and are generally suited to lower-security applications. Cross-cut shredders cut documents in two directions to create smaller particles, while micro-cut machines reduce paper into even finer pieces for greater document security. Consider both the cut type and DIN security level when comparing paper shredders.

Accessories & Maintenance:

Most paper shredders require routine maintenance to keep the cutting mechanism operating smoothly. Use a lubricant specifically designed for paper shredders and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct oiling method and frequency. Avoid household oils, cooking oils, WD-40, or other substitutes that are not intended for shredder cutting heads.

Regular lubrication can help reduce friction, limit paper buildup, and maintain consistent cutting performance. Avoid exceeding the recommended sheet capacity, remove unsupported materials before shredding, and empty the waste bin before it becomes overfilled. For detailed instructions, see MyBinding's guide on how to oil a paper shredder.

Waste bags or collection boxes can also make disposal of shredded paper easier, particularly for machines used frequently in office environments.

Paper Shredding FAQs

What type of paper shredder should I choose?

Choose a paper shredder based on the sensitivity of your documents, expected shredding volume, sheet capacity, run time, bin size, and the materials you need to destroy. Personal shredders may be sufficient for occasional use, while offices with frequent document disposal may benefit from higher-capacity or auto-feed models.

What security level is best for confidential documents?

The appropriate security level depends on the information being destroyed. DIN P-levels range from P-1 for low-security paper disposal to P-7 for extremely sensitive documents. For confidential personal or business information, compare the required particle size and security level before choosing a machine.

What is the difference between strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut shredders?

Strip-cut shredders produce long strips and provide the lowest level of document destruction. Cross-cut shredders cut paper in two directions to create smaller particles, while micro-cut shredders produce much finer particles for greater protection. The best option depends on the sensitivity of the documents and the level of security required.

How often should a paper shredder be oiled?

Oiling frequency depends on the shredder type, cut style, and usage volume. Machines used frequently and shredders that produce smaller particles generally require more regular lubrication. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and use only lubricant designed for paper shredders.

What documents should be shredded?

Paper shredding is useful for documents containing information you would not want exposed after disposal. Examples can include financial records, account information, employee records, invoices, contracts, customer information, medical paperwork, and documents containing personal identifying information. Your organization's retention and disposal requirements should also be considered before destroying business records.

Don’t leave your security in someone else’s hands... protect your business and protect yourself with a document or data shredder. If you need help finding the perfect shredder for you or your company, call us at (866) 537-2244.

About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been the product expert at Binding101 since 2008, and has grown up in the industry. Every day she pushes herself to learn new information, incorporating real-life experiences to create solutions to the most common problems in the industry, and then present those solutions in a way that is easy to understand for everyone, from novices to experts.