There are several compelling reasons to consider using a shredding service instead of tackling document destruction yourself. Here are some of the key benefits: 

1. Hidden Costs of Renting / Buying – Rental fees often don’t include the cost of maintenance, repairs, or replacement parts. These can add up quickly.
2. Labour Costs – Someone in your office will need to spend time shredding documents, taking them away from other tasks. Companies don’t want highly paid employees standing in front of an office shredder all day.
3. Shredding Machine Constraints  – If you have a large volume of documents to shred, an office shredder might not be powerful enough to handle the job efficiently. Industrial shredders are built for heavy-duty tasks and require special electrical connections (three-phase power) that typical offices don’t have.
4. Unpredictable Shredding Time – The exact rental duration for a shredding machine can be tricky to estimate because it’s difficult to predict your shredding productivity. Factors like document volume, type of material, and machine capacity can all impact how quickly you get the job done.
5. Consumables – Shredder consumables, like oil and lubricants, need to be replaced regularly to ensure smooth operation and prevent breakdowns. These ongoing costs can add up over time. Normal black bags are too flimsy, To avoid a mess,  something more durable is required.
6. Repair Costs – Overloading a shredder or feeding it improper materials can lead to costly repairs or even complete machine failure. These unexpected expenses can significantly outweigh the initial cost of a shredder.
7. Shredded Paper Disposal Dilemma – the disposal of the shredded paper needs to be factored in. Many municipalities have restrictions on how shredded paper can be disposed of, and some may charge additional fees for bulky waste collection. Improperly disposing of shredded paper can have environmental consequences.
8. Safety hazard – Safety Concerns:
   1. Laceration Risk: The sharp blades of a shredder can cause serious cuts and injuries if fingers get too close.
   2. Overheating and Fire Risk: Paper jams and overuse can lead to overheating, potentially causing fires if not addressed properly.
   3. Dust Inhalation: Shredding paper generates dust particles that can irritate airways and exacerbate respiratory issues.
9. Increased Risk of Non-Compliance – Using the services of shredding companies like MasterShred who provides you with a Certificate Of Destruction is proof you have disposed of your confidential documents in a responsible manner, giving you peace of mind during audits or legal proceedings, and protection against the POPI Act. Having documentation of a secure shredding process from a qualified service can strengthen your defense. This shows you took reasonable steps to comply with the POPI Act, potentially minimizing legal repercussions.