Best Waste Basket Paper Shredders of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Waste basket paper shredders are an essential tool for any home or office that values security and privacy. These compact shredders can easily fit under a desk or in a cabinet, making them a convenient addition to any workspace. They are designed to shred paper into small pieces, ensuring that sensitive information cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Waste basket paper shredders are also environmentally friendly, as they allow for the easy disposal and recycling of shredded paper. Overall, these shredders are a practical and efficient solution for maintaining confidentiality and reducing paper waste.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Aurora AU800SD Strip Cut Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 1
Aurora AU800SD Strip Cut Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aurora Professional Strip-Cut Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 2
Aurora Professional Strip-Cut Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 3
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Waste Basket Paper Shredders

Aurora AU800SD Strip Cut Paper Shredder

AU800SD
Black
15 centimetres
Aurora AU800SD Strip Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Aurora AU800SD Professional Strip Cut Paper Shredder/CD/Credit Card Shredder Without Wastebasket, 8-Sheet Strip-Cut No Basket, Black

The Aurora AU800SD Strip Cut Paper Shredder can shred CDs/DVDs and credit cards in addition to paper. It features an auto start/stop function, thermal and overheat protection, a jam-remover, and a manual reverse for cleaning paper jams. The shredder also comes with an extendable arm that can fit over most waste baskets. With a shred capacity of 8 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper, users can avoid jams by inserting a filing folder or any rigid sheet of cardstock into the feed entry.

What We Like
Can shred CDs/DVDs and credit cards in addition to paper
Has thermal and overheat protection
Comes with an extendable arm to fit over most waste baskets
#TOP 2

Aurora Professional Strip-Cut Paper Shredder

AU800SZ
Black
Aurora Professional Strip-Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Aurora Professional Strip Cut Paper Shredder/CD/Credit Card Shredder Without Wastebasket, 8-Sheet Strip-Cut No Basket

The Aurora Professional Strip-Cut Paper Shredder is a credit card and CD/DVD shredder with an 8-sheet capacity. It has an auto start/stop feature with thermal and overheat protection. The shredder also includes a jam-remover and manual reverse for cleaning paper jams. The extendable arm can fit over most waste baskets, up to 15 inches or 38.1 cm in length.

What We Like
Credit card and CD/DVD shredding capabilities
Auto start/stop feature with thermal and overheat protection
Jam-remover and manual reverse for clearing paper jams

Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder

C237-B
6-Sheet Cross cut
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use,6-Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit Card Shredder for Home Office with Handle for Document,Mail,Staple,Clip-3.4 Gal Wastebasket(C237-B)

The Bonsaii Paper Shredder is a versatile tool for your home or small office. It efficiently shreds up to six sheets of paper at once, turning sensitive documents into tiny pieces for secure disposal. The compact design, complete with a portable handle, allows you to easily store it under your desk or in a corner. With a continuous shredding capability of 100 sheets for three minutes, you can tackle larger tasks without interruption. Plus, its user-friendly features like auto start/stop and manual reverse help prevent jams, making your shredding experience smooth and hassle-free.

What We Like
Efficient crosscut shredding
Compact and portable design
Continuous shredding capability
User-friendly operation
#TOP 4

Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder

AU875XA
Black
Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder Cover
Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder with 3.7-Gallon Wastebasket, 8-Sheet Cross-Cut with Basket

The Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder, also known as the Aurora Shredder, is a versatile and efficient shredder that can handle up to 8 sheets of paper at a time. It can also shred credit cards, ensuring that your sensitive information is securely destroyed. With its crosscut feature, it cuts paper and credit cards into small pieces, providing a high level of security (P-3). The shredder has a nonstop 3-minute continuous run time, allowing you to efficiently dispose of your documents without interruption. It also features a single-hand lifting handle, making it easy to empty the 3.7-gallon wastebasket. Additionally, the shredder has overheat thermal protection and a 4-mode power switch for added safety and convenience. The LED indicator light lets you know when the shredder is in standby or when it is overheating. The Aurora Shredder is the perfect tool to keep your personal and sensitive information safe and secure.

What We Like
Versatile
Efficient
Secure
#TOP 5

Aurora AU660S 6-Sheet Shredder

AU660S
Aurora AU660S 6-Sheet Shredder Cover
Aurora AU660S 6-Sheet Strip Cut Paper/Credit Card Shredder Without Wastebasket, Portable with Extendable Arm, Black

The Aurora 6-Sheet Shredder is designed for efficient document destruction, capable of shredding credit cards and staples. With a continuous run time of two minutes, you can handle multiple sheets without interruption. The compact design features an extendable arm that easily fits over most wastebaskets, making cleanup a breeze. Additionally, the power and overheat LED indicators keep you informed about the shredder's status, while the three-mode power switch offers convenient control. This shredder combines functionality and portability, perfect for your home or office needs.

What We Like
Shreds credit cards and staples
Compact and portable design
Extendable arm for easy use
LED indicators for status
Quick continuous run time
#TOP 6

Bonsaii S123-B Paper Shredder

S123
Black
6 Sheet
Bonsaii S123-B Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use, 6 Sheet Strip Cut Small Paper Shredder Without Basket for Home Office, Portable Shredder Extendable Arm Design with Overheat Protection (S123-B)

The Bonsaii Shredder is a compact solution for your home office shredding needs. With a capacity to shred up to 6 sheets at a time into narrow strips, it efficiently protects your personal information. Its extendable arm design allows you to easily fit it over most waste baskets, making disposal convenient. Enjoy 2 minutes of continuous shredding, perfect for quick tasks. Plus, the upgraded overheating protection ensures safe operation by automatically stopping the shredder when it gets too hot, giving you peace of mind while you work.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Overheating protection feature
Convenient extendable arm
Efficient 6-sheet capacity

Bonsaii Paper Shredder

S120-C
8 Sheet
Bonsaii Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use, 8-Sheet StripCut Home Office Shredder, CD/Credit Card Shredder Machine with Overheat Protection, 3.4 Gallons Wastebasket

The Bonsaii Paper Shredder is a reliable and efficient shredding machine for home use. With its 8-sheet shredding capacity, it can easily handle your paper shredding needs. Additionally, it can also shred credit cards, CDs, DVDs, and other important documents, providing you with added security and convenience. The shredder is equipped with overheat protection, allowing it to run continuously for 2 minutes before needing to cool down. It also features a safe start mode and manual reverse jam clearing, making it easy to use and troubleshoot any paper jam issues. The confetti size of 15/64 inches ensures your privacy, while the 3.4-gallon wastebasket can meet the daily needs of your family. Bonsaii offers professional customer service and a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.

What We Like
8-Sheet Shredding Capacity
Overheat Protection
Easy to Use
#TOP 8

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Shredder

Amazon Basics
S120-E US
Black
8-Sheet
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder, Compact, No Basket, Portable with Extendable Arm, Black

The Amazon Basics Shredder is a compact and portable solution for securely disposing of sensitive documents and materials. It can handle up to eight sheets of paper at once, making it easy for you to shred multiple documents in one go without the hassle of removing staples. The shredder also features a dedicated slot for destroying CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, cutting them into three pieces for added security. Designed to fit over most waste baskets, it comes with an extendable arm to accommodate various sizes, providing convenience in any workspace.

What We Like
Basketless design
Destroys CDs and credit cards
Fits over waste baskets
Automatic shut-off feature
Compact and portable
#TOP 9

BONSEN 8-Sheet Crosscut Shredder with 4 Gallons Wastebasket

S3101
Black
8-Sheet Cross Cut
BONSEN 8-Sheet Crosscut Shredder with 4 Gallons Wastebasket Cover
BONSEN Shredder for Home Office, 8-Sheet Crosscut Credit Card Shredder, Small Paper Shredder for Home Use with 4 Gallons Wastebasket, High Security Level P-4, ETL Certification (S3101)

The BONSEN crosscut shredder is ideal for home office heavy-duty use with an 8-sheet capacity and shreds staples, paper clips, credit cards, and mails. It has a P-4 security level that keeps your confidential documents safe. The shredder is equipped with 4 simple switch modes, a manual reverse function, and an overheating protection system to prevent damage and extend its lifetime. The 4-gallon bin can hold about 210 sheets of A4 paper to reduce the frequency of emptying, and its maximum operating noise is no more than 60 decibels.

What We Like
Compact size saves space and fits under a desk perfectly
Large bin reduces the frequency of emptying
P-4 security level keeps confidential documents safe

AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
PBH-55473
Black
8-Sheet
AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder, 3.2 Gallons Wastebasket, Black

The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder is a high-security shredder that shreds paper into 1/4-inch-wide strips at a rate of 9.84 feet per minute, meeting security level P-2 standards. It can shred up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, as well as CDs, DVDs, and credit cards (one at a time, through a dedicated slot). Its run time is 2 minutes on / 15 minutes off, and it has a 3-mode control switch (auto, off, reverse) and an easy-to-empty 3.2-gallon bin. Amazon Basics quality tests every shredder before shipping it.

What We Like
High-security shredder that meets security level P-2 standards.
Can shred up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, as well as CDs, DVDs, and credit cards (one at a time, through a dedicated slot).
Has a 3-mode control switch (auto, off, reverse) and an easy-to-empty 3.2-gallon bin.
Buying Guide Image

What to Look for in Waste Basket Paper Shredders

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right waste basket paper shredder for your home or office, there are a few key factors to consider. In this article, we will discuss the different types of waste basket shredders available on the market, as well as the features and capabilities that make them unique. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which shredder is right for you and your needs.

Types of Waste Basket Shredders

There are two main types of waste basket shredders: cross-cut and strip-cut. As the names suggest, cross-cut shredders cut paper into small, cross-shaped pieces, while strip-cut shredders cut paper into long, thin strips.

Cross-cut shredders provide a higher level of security, as the smaller pieces of paper are much harder to reassemble. Strip-cut shredders, on the other hand, are typically more affordable and can shred larger amounts of paper at once.

Features and Capabilities

When shopping for a waste basket shredder, there are a few key features and capabilities to consider. For example, some shredders have the ability to shred not only paper, but also credit cards, CDs, and DVDs. This can be useful if you need to destroy sensitive data from these types of media.

Another important factor to consider is the shredder's waste basket capacity. If you frequently shred large amounts of paper, you may want to opt for a shredder with a larger waste basket to avoid frequent emptying.

Additionally, some shredders have features such as automatic start/stop and reverse functions, which can make the shredding process more convenient and efficient.

Price and Brand

Of course, price is always a consideration when shopping for any product. Waste basket shredders can range in price from under $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the type and features. It's important to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.

When it comes to brand, there are many reputable companies that manufacture waste basket shredders. Some of the most well-known brands include Fellowes, Royal, and AmazonBasics. Researching customer reviews and ratings can help you determine which brand is right for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right waste basket paper shredder can be a daunting task, but by considering the types, features, capabilities, price, and brand, you can find the perfect shredder for your needs. Whether you need a high-security cross-cut shredder or a more affordable strip-cut option, there is a shredder out there that will meet your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the disadvantages of waste shredders?

Waste shredders have a few disadvantages. There is a risk of injury due to rotating sharp cutting blades. Noise pollution is associated with tire and scrap metal shredders. Operating a shredder takes time and money. Additionally, for hard drive shredders, the data is not completely destroyed.

2. What is a substitute for shredder oil?

If you have an old or out-of-warranty paper shredder, you can use canola oil as a substitute for shredder oil. Some brands actually use repackaged canola oil, so using it can save you money. Apply the oil to the paper in a zigzag pattern.

3. How to free a shredder?

To free a jammed shredder, start by unplugging it for safety. Remove the cover from the device. Use tweezers to unjam the paper. If necessary, cut the paper with a knife. Remove any remaining pieces with a screwdriver. Feed through more paper to clear any remaining debris. Finally, use shredder oil lubricant to keep the shredder running smoothly.

4. What is the safest shredder?

A crosscut shredder is considered the safest option. It shreds paper diagonally from both corners, creating short and narrow strips that are not easily readable. This makes it suitable for shredding sensitive or confidential documents. The level of security provided by a crosscut shredder is typically between P-3 and P-4.

5. What are the different types of waste shredders?

There are several types of waste shredders available. Some common designs include low speed, high torque shear type shredders (single, dual, triple, and quad shaft design), single shaft grinders (single or dual shaft design), granulators, knife hogs, raspers, maulers, flails, crackermills, and refining mills.

6. How many years do paper shredders last?

On average, a paper shredder should last about 10 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on the specific model and how frequently it is used. Some models can even handle more robust media like credit cards or CDs.

7. Can you use vegetable oil instead of shredder oil?

When lubricating your shredder, you should only use vegetable-based oils. Never use aerosol oils, as they are petroleum-based and can pose a fire risk. Vegetable oil is a suitable alternative to shredder oil.

8. How do you destroy a large amount of paper without a shredder?

If you don't have a shredder, there are alternative ways to destroy a large amount of paper. You can burn the paper in a fire pit, soak it in water and bleach, compost it, cut or shred it by hand, attend a community shredding event, or hire a professional paper shredder service to destroy the paper and sensitive documents.

9. How do you shred paper fast without a shredder?

If you need to shred paper quickly without a shredder, there are a few options. You can shred it by hand, although this can be time-consuming. Another option is to use paper-shredding scissors, which are quicker than shredding by hand. Burning the paper is another classic method, or you can dissolve the paper in water.

Editor's Notes

During our waste basket paper shredder research, we found 24 waste basket paper shredder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 564,542 customer reviews through our big data system to write the waste basket paper shredders list. We found that most customers choose waste basket paper shredders with an average price of $46.35.

The waste basket paper shredders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of waste basket paper shredders, including Aurora, bonsaii, BONSEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.