Best Waste Basket Paper Shredders of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026

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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

Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 1
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 3
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Waste Basket Paper Shredders

Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder

Child
Black
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use, 3.4 Gal Wastebasket, 6 Sheet Crosscut Paper Credit Cards, Staples, and Clips Shredder for Home Office Use, Portable Handle Design (C237-B New Version)

The Bonsaii C237-B Shredder is perfect for home or small office use. It cuts paper into tiny pieces, making your documents secure and protecting your privacy. You can shred up to six sheets at once, even if they have staples or clips, and it can also handle credit cards one at a time. The shredder works continuously for three minutes before needing a 20-minute cool-down, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. Its compact size and clear wastebin with a handle make cleanup easy and help it fit neatly under your desk. Plus, it has safety features like auto start/stop and reverse to prevent jams and protect you while using it.

What We Like
Compact size
Cross-cut shredding
Good value for price
Easy to use
Handles credit cards

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
S120-D US
Black
3.4 gallons
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics Paper Shredder for Home and Office, 8-Sheet Strip Cut, CD/ Credit Card Shredder, 3.4 Gallon Wastebasket , Black

The Amazon Basics Shredder is a reliable tool for securely disposing of sensitive documents. It can handle up to 8 sheets of standard paper at once, making it efficient for your shredding needs. The strip-cut design creates 1/4-inch wide strips, ensuring basic security for your information. With the capability to shred CDs and credit cards, you can safely eliminate various types of media. Additionally, the 3.4-gallon bin is easy to empty, and the shredder features a 2.5-minute runtime followed by a 15-minute cool-down, preventing overheating and prolonging the machine's life.

What We Like
Efficient shredding performance
Good value for price
Handles paper, cards, CDs
Easy to use and empty
Compact and lightweight design

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder

C275-A
Black
1 2 sheet
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, 5.5 Gal Home Office Heavy Duty Shredder for Paper, Credit Card, Mail, Staples, with Transparent Window, High Security Level P-4 (C275-A)

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a powerful and reliable shredder for home office use. It features P-4 level security, 10-minute shredding, easy operation and safe protection, a compact size, and a 1-year warranty. Customers have praised its performance and reliability, noting that it can shred multiple sheets without clogging and is perfect for home office use.

What We Like
Heavy duty performance
Fast shredding speed
Handles multiple sheets easily
Large capacity bin
Good value for money

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 with Auto-Off Compact, Portable Design, No Basket, 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
Compact and portable design
Shreds paper, CDs, credit cards
Efficient 8-sheet shredding
Affordable price
Easy disposal over trash can
#TOP 5

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders C266-B

C266-B
Black
12 Sheet-6 0Mins
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders C266-B Cover
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders for Home Office, 60 Minute P-4 Security Level Paper Shredder for CD, Credit Card, Mails, Staple, Clip, with Jam-Proof System & 4.2 Gal Pullout Bin C266-B

The Bonsaii Micro Cut Shredder is a high-performance paper shredder designed for home office use. With its advanced cooling system and patented cutting technology, this shredder can continuously run for up to 60 minutes, shredding 12 sheets of paper at a time. It also has the capability to shred credit cards, staples, paper clips, and CDs, providing you with a versatile shredding solution. The micro-cut shredding feature ensures a high level of security by shredding paper into tiny particles, protecting your personal privacy. Additionally, the shredder is equipped with a jam-proof system, preventing paper jams and ensuring smooth operation. The Bonsaii Micro Cut Shredder is designed with convenience in mind, featuring 4 universal casters for easy mobility and a visible trash window to check the waste basket capacity. With a 1-year warranty, you can trust in the quality and durability of this shredder.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Handles bulk shredding
Easy to empty bin
Strong cooling system
Micro-cut for security
#TOP 6

Bonsaii Paper Shredder

S120-C
Black
8 Sheet (Black)
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
Good quality performance
Lightweight and portable
Satisfactory for home use
Efficient with credit cards
Fast delivery
#TOP 7

Bonsaii C282-A 12-Sheet Paper Shredder

C282A-12CC
Black
12-Sheet Cross Cut
Bonsaii C282-A 12-Sheet Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 12 Sheet Paper Shredder for Home Office, Heavy Duty Cross Cut Shredder with 5.5 Gal Pullout Bin, Home Shredder for CDs/Credit Card/Document/Mail, P-4 Security Level

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Shredder is designed for home office use, allowing you to shred up to 12 sheets of paper at once into tiny, secure particles. This feature ensures your sensitive documents are kept safe from prying eyes. With a 5.5-gallon pullout bin, you can shred approximately 350 sheets without needing to empty it frequently, saving you time and effort. The shredder also boasts a 15-minute continuous run time, making it efficient for larger tasks. Plus, its jam-proof system with auto start/stop and manual reverse makes handling paper jams easy, ensuring a smooth shredding experience.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Powerful motor
Handles staples and credit cards
Large pullout bin
Long run time
#TOP 8

Bonsaii 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder

C149-C
black
1 8 Sheet Cross Cut
Bonsaii 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Shredder for Office Heavy Duty Cross-Cut Shredder with 6 Gallon Pullout Basket 4 Casters(C149-C)

The Bonsaii Paper Shredder has 60-minute continuous running time with patented cutting technology and advanced cooling system. It can shred up to 18 sheets of paper and can shred staples and credit cards too. The low noise level of 62 dB and 4 casters make it easy to move around. The auto start/stop and auto-reverse function protect you from paper jams and overheating and overloading protection prolong the shredder's lifetime. The 6-gallon pull-out wastebasket capacity makes it easy to empty and comes with a transparent window.

What We Like
Can shred up to 18 sheets of paper in one pass
60-minute continuous running time
Low noise level of 62 dB
Auto start/stop and auto-reverse function
6-gallon pull-out wastebasket capacity
#TOP 9

Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder

C209-D
Black
1 0 Sheet Crosscut
Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, 5.5 Gal Home Office Heavy Duty Shredder for Credit Card, Staple, Clip with Transparent Window(C209-D)

The Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is an ideal choice for home offices and SOHOs. It features a 10 sheet capacity (letter size, 75g/m²) and a 5.5 gallon wastebasket capacity. It is easy to operate with light-indication, overheat and overload protection, and can shred paper, staples, and credit cards (one at a time). It has a 5-minute continuous running time with 40 minutes cool-down time. It is relatively quiet and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable paper shredder.

What We Like
Easy to operate with light-indication, overheat and overload protection
Large 5.5 gallon wastebasket capacity
5-minute continuous running time with 40 minutes cool-down time
Relatively quiet and easy to maintain
Can shred paper, staples, and credit cards (one at a time)
#TOP 10

Bonsaii C169-B 15-Sheet Shredder

C169-B
black
1 5 Sheet-40 mins
Bonsaii C169-B 15-Sheet Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 15-Sheet Office Paper Shredder, 40 Mins Heavy Duty Shredder for Home Office, Crosscut Shreder with Anti-Jam System & P-4 High Security Supports CD/Credit Cards/Staple,5 Gal Pullout Bin C169-B

The Bonsaii 15-Sheet Shredder is an ideal choice for your home or office needs. With the ability to shred up to 15 sheets at a time, it efficiently turns documents, CDs, and credit cards into tiny, secure pieces, ensuring your privacy. It boasts a continuous run time of 40 minutes, allowing you to tackle large shredding tasks without interruptions. The auto start/stop and reverse features prevent paper jams, making operation hassle-free. Plus, the large pull-out bin holds about 350 sheets, so you won’t have to empty it frequently, enhancing your productivity and convenience.

What We Like
High shredding capacity
Continuous 40-minute operation
Jam-proof design
Large pull-out 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 522,692 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 $43.99.

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 bonsaii and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,081 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.