Secure Document Pickup and Shredding Service

Small and mid-sized businesses, medical and dental clinics, law and accounting firms, property managers and local government offices that need to dispose of confidential paper safely.

Monthly or per-pickup fees for regular bin service, plus one-off charges for bulk purges and archive clear-outs. Selling baled paper to a recycler adds a small extra income.

• Reliable and careful with confidential material
• Route planning and driving
• Selling to businesses and following up on contracts

• Privacy rules such as PIPEDA and provincial health privacy laws affect what clients will ask of you, so check what applies
• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask a broker about cargo and errors and omissions cover
• Zoning, fire safety and noise rules for a unit that stores and shreds paper, so check with your municipality
• Many clients will want staff background checks and may ask about industry certification, so check what your target customers require
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules that vary by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000 CAD, depending on your shredder, small unit, vehicle and collection bins. Also check commercial general liability insurance, and ask a broker about cargo and errors and omissions cover.

Check which privacy rules apply, such as PIPEDA and provincial health privacy laws, as they affect what clients ask of you. Also check zoning, fire safety and noise rules with your municipality, and what background checks or certification your target customers require.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on how many clients and contracts you win, your route size and your pricing. Plan on at least about 20 hours a week.