How to Prepare Documents for Shredding (Queensland Guide)
If you’re planning to shred confidential paperwork, knowing how to prepare documents for shredding is essential. Whether you live in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, or anywhere across Queensland, following a proper process ensures security, compliance, and smooth collection.
This guide explains step-by-step how to prepare your documents for shredding—ideal for businesses, households, and anyone handling private information under Australian Privacy Laws.
What Does “Preparing Documents for Shredding” Mean?
Correctly preparing documents before shredding helps you:
Protect sensitive information
Avoid contamination fees
Speed up delivery and collection
Ensure compliance under APP 11
Reduce delays, especially in busy QLD metro areas
It also helps our drivers complete deliveries and collections safely and efficiently.
How to Prepare Documents for Shredding (Step-by-Step)
1. Sort the Documents That Need Shredding
Start by separating:
Confidential business documents
Old financial records
Personal information
Customer files
Medical, employment, or legal records
In Queensland, many businesses are required to shred documents under privacy regulations.
2. Remove Restricted Items
For secure shredding, only paper documents should go inside the shredding bins.
To avoid contamination fees, remove the following restricted items:
Cardboard
Arch lever folders
Plastic sleeves and binders
Magazines and photo paper
Newspapers
Bulldog clips
Hardcovers from diaries or books
Coloured paper
Coloured manila folders
Any mixed or non-paper materials
Placing these items in your bin may result in a contamination fee of $110–$300 + GST per bin.
Tip: Staples and small paper clips are fine—they do not need to be removed.
3. Keep Documents Dry and Clean
Queensland humidity can cause mould and moisture issues.
Make sure documents are:
Stored indoors
Dry
Free from food waste
Free from liquids or contaminants
Wet or mouldy paper cannot be shredded.
4. Prepare Your Documents for Bins, Bags, or Archive Boxes
Depending on your chosen shredding service:
If using secure shredding bins
If using secure shredding binsPlace documents loosely (not inside plastic bags)
Do not overfill
Ensure the lid can close
If using shredding bags
Fill to the marked line
Seal as instructed
If using archive box destruction
Do not overpack
Tape the box securely
Note: Prepaid bin orders are non-refundable, and unused bins cannot be refunded.
5. Ensure Safe and Easy Access for Delivery & Pickup
To avoid delays or additional fees:
Bin Access
Drivers do not move bins up or down stairs.
If your building has no lift or ramp, bins will be delivered and collected at ground-floor level.
Collection Accessibility
If bins are not accessible on your confirmed pickup date, a call-out fee of $55.00 applies.
6. Understand Delivery & Regional Fees
For customers in outer metro or regional Queensland, delivery fees vary depending on your location.
You can:
Place your order online
Receive a confirmation call before processing
Or contact us directly at 1800 757 000 to confirm your exact delivery fee in advance
Delivery times cannot be guaranteed, as drivers organise their runs on the day.
7. Final Check Before Pickup
Before collection:
Confirm bins are accessible
Ensure only approved materials are inside
Lock the bin
Keep the area clear
Avoid last-minute cancellations
Cancellations require 48 hours (2 business days) notice.
Less notice incurs a $40 cancellation fee.
This guide explains how to prepare documents for shredding in Queensland, including sorting papers, removing restricted items, keeping documents dry, ensuring bin accessibility at ground-floor level, understanding regional delivery fees, and avoiding contamination or call-out fees. National Document Shredding Service provides secure, Australia-wide document destruction with clear guidelines to ensure compliant, efficient shredding.
FAQs: How to Prepare Documents for Shredding in Queensland
What items are not allowed inside shredding bins?
Restricted items include cardboard, magazines, plastic sleeves, binders, coloured paper, bulldog clips, and hardcovers.
Do I need to remove staples or paper clips?
No, staples and small clips can remain.
Can shredding bins be delivered upstairs?
No. Bins can only be delivered and collected from ground-floor level unless there is a lift or ramp.
What if my bin is not accessible on collection day?
A $55 call-out fee applies if the bin cannot be accessed.
Are prepaid bin orders refundable?
No. Unused prepaid bins are non-refundable.
