Do I Need to Remove Documents From Boxes, Binders, or Bags?

Before calling to schedule shredding, a lot of people stop and wonder: do I need to take everything out of the folders? Remove the staples? Transfer documents from bags to boxes? Sort by type?

The short answer is no — to all of it. Here's what you actually need to know before your appointment or drop-off visit.

Leave the Staples and Paper Clips In

Our industrial shredding equipment handles metal fasteners without any issue. Staples, paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands — leave them exactly where they are. You don't need to pull a single one before we arrive or before you drop off.

Removing fasteners one by one from years of documents is exactly the kind of time-consuming prep work that isn't necessary. Skip it entirely.

Keep Documents in Their Folders

File folders, hanging folders, manila envelopes, and tabbed dividers all go straight into the shredder along with the paper inside them. No need to pull documents out of folders, remove tabs, or unclip anything.

If your documents are organized in binders, you can leave them in the binder — just know that the metal rings and plastic covers are typically removed before shredding. Bring the binders as-is and we'll handle the separation on our end.

Boxes, Bags, or Bins — All Fine

There's no required container. Documents can come in:

• Banker's boxes — the standard cardboard file box with a lid
• Copy paper boxes — the kind reams of paper ship in
• Garbage bags — standard kitchen or contractor bags work fine
• Plastic bins or totes — bring it in whatever you've got
• Loose in a laundry basket or bin — that works too

You don't need to repackage anything into a specific type of container before arriving. Whatever is easiest for you to load into your car is the right choice.

Mixed Paper Is Fine

You don't need to sort documents by type before shredding. Financial records, medical records, legal files, junk mail, and general correspondence can all go in together. There's no need to keep categories separate — it all gets destroyed the same way.

X-rays, prescription labels, and envelopes with windows are also fine to include without sorting out.

No Minimum. No Maximum.

Whether you've got one bag or thirty boxes, the process is the same. There's no minimum volume requirement for on-site service or drop-off. Bring what you have.

If you're unsure whether your volume is better handled by drop-off at our Raleigh location on Wednesdays or by scheduling a mobile on-site visit, just call us at (919) 646-3050 and we'll point you in the right direction.

Ready When You Are

Call (919) 646-3050 , drop off on a Wednesday at 3909 Memo Ct, Raleigh, NC 27610 (9 AM–2 PM), or schedule a mobile shredding visit online. No prep required — just bring what you've got.

FAQs

Do I need to remove staples or paper clips before shredding?

No. Industrial shredding equipment handles metal fasteners without any issue. Leave staples, paper clips, binder clips, and rubber bands exactly where they are. There's no preparation required before dropping off or scheduling a pickup — bring documents exactly as they are.

What's the best way to bring documents for drop-off shredding?

Any container works — banker's boxes, copy paper boxes, garbage bags, or plastic bins. There's no required format. Bring documents in whatever is easiest for you to load into your car. No sorting by type, no removing fasteners, no pulling pages out of folders. Just box it up or bag it and bring it in.