Paper shredders consist of a pair of rotating cutting blades, a paper comber, and a motor that drives this assembly. Paper is fed between the two intermeshing blades and is split into many small pieces by the force of the blades.

The produced shreds are held in one of a variety of containers. Low-end shredders are simply draped over the edge of or straddle an office wastebasket. Slightly more expensive ones come equipped with their own wastebasket. Most office grade shredders typically come with an enclosed cabinet with wheels to make it easier to roll about the office. Finally, there are some shredders that come with a stand that can hold a plastic bag.