Hiring a paper shredding service

If your company has a one time, large amount of documentation that must be disposed of, hiring a paper shredding service may be the best solution.

Due to the epidemic of identity theft, the need to properly dispose of consumer information is unquestionable. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed guidelines for the proper destruction of all consumer data to be discarded, and some of these new rules apply to the use of outside paper shredding services.

The new rules do not require that specific methods be used to destroy consumer information, but it does require that the methods be effective. Furthermore, all outside contractors that provide paper shredding services must be monitored to verify proper disposal. You cannot assume that their methods are effective; you must exercise due diligence. This may include securing references and reviewing their security policy and how they are audited.

If your company shreds small volumes of documents, you may need to purchase a paper shredder. To determine the size of paper shredder you need, check the daily throughput of the unit. If you regularly need to destroy large volumes of documents, you’ll have to weigh the cost of a cross-cut paper shredder against the cost of a shredding service. For large, one-time disposals, your best option may be to hire a local shredding service.

Regardless of the option you choose, doing your homework will pay off. Improper disposal can result in not only identity theft, but litigation. Do some interviewing and get references. Whether you shred the paper yourself or hire a service, due diligence and common sense will see you through.

Using a Paper Shredding Service