The specs states it will cut thirty [30] pieces of paper. I have not tried a full thirty yet, but up to twenty. Held back as I put some sealed envelopes through that did not seem like they were of a heavy weight and cutter got stuck, it was it was difficult to reverse them out as the cutters are significantly below the feeder opening, so they would only push in reverse so far. I have a smaller Fellows [5] gallon, that I purchased 20 years ago, and it tears up just about anything, including CD's. It's specs states 8-10 pieces of paper.
All in all I am more than satisfied with the HSM shredder, and would recommend it, but be careful at first in what you attempt to shred. I would recommend it, as the 30 gal. bin is wonderful as it seems to never fill up. I was always empting the old five gallon one.