Businesses of all sizes face the same challenge – how can they safely and securely protect and dispose of their confidential documents? The answer is on-going shredding, an often overlooked but essential security measure that keeps businesses safe from outside threats and reduces costs associated with paper clutter.
Not only does shredding free up valuable space in your office, but it also helps to protect vital information like credit card numbers and addresses that could be used by identity thieves if left unshredded. Incorporating a reliable document destruction service into any business’s operations is essential for maintaining consumer confidence and guarding against potential liability risks. Discover the benefits of adding on-going shredding services to your business plan!
What Is On-Going Shredding?
On-going shredding is a secure and convenient way to ensure that all confidential data no longer needed is destroyed. With an on-going shredding service, a company can regularly shred all its documents onsite to meet the organization’s needs. This service can benefit areas like medical offices, banks, or other businesses handling sensitive information since they do not need to store stacks of old paperwork with personal details. It is an efficient way of securely destroying all documentation in line with data protection regulations.
Companies are offered a secure collection bin where all sensitive files are kept and collected as soon as they become obsolete or expire according to the retention policy of the business. The collected material is then transported in locked bins by licensed waste carriers directly to authorized destruction centers for shredding. An on-going destruction service allows companies to be constantly mindful of their security requirements and uphold stringent processes without compromising personal information storage or exposure.
What Types Of Documents Should Be Shredded
Documents containing personal and financial information should be shredded to reduce the risk of these details falling into the wrong hands. It would help if you considered shredding documents with the account or credit card numbers, bank statements, contracts, tax information, and even pay stubs. In addition, you want to keep your identity safe by ensuring any letters or correspondences containing your address are destroyed. Documents related to travel, such as boarding passes or copies of passports, should also be shredded for security purposes.
The Benefits Of On-Going Shredding
Enhanced Security
One of the primary benefits of ongoing shredding is its improved security. This service ensures that sensitive documents are properly destroyed, minimizing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other security threats. On-going shredding also helps businesses comply with legal and regulatory requirements for data protection.
Convenience
On-going shredding services provide a convenient and efficient solution for disposing of sensitive documents. With regularly scheduled pickups, businesses can handle storing sensitive materials or finding time to dispose of them properly. This service can also be customized to fit the company’s specific needs, ensuring the shredding process is as convenient and efficient as possible.
Cost-Effective
On-going shredding is a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. It eliminates the need for expensive shredding equipment and the time and labor required for in-house shredding. On-going shredding also reduces the risk of data breaches, which can be costly in terms of lost revenue, legal fees, and damage to the business’s reputation.
Environmentally Responsible
On-going shredding is an environmentally responsible practice that reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Shredded documents can be recycled, which reduces the need for new paper products and conserves natural resources.
How On-Going Shredding Works
On-going shredding services typically involve the following steps:
- Consultation: The shredding service will consult with the business to determine the specific needs and requirements for shredding services.
- Scheduled Pickups: The shredding service will schedule regular pickups of sensitive materials on a schedule that works best for the business.
- Secure Transportation: The shredding service will securely transport the materials to their shredding facility, ensuring that the sensitive documents are always protected.
- Document Destruction: The shredding service will destroy the documents using state-of-the-art shredding equipment that ensures the destruction of the materials.
- Certificate of Destruction: The shredding service will provide a certificate of destruction that verifies the secure disposal of the materials and provides proof of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
How Often Should You Shred Sensitive Documents?
Knowing how often to shred sensitive documents is vital to protecting confidential information. While it’s tempting to keep everything “just in case,” the reality is that outdated or unnecessary documents can become a liability. Depending on the document type, there may be legal requirements or best practices for how long it should be kept. In general, sensitive documents should be shredded as soon as they are no longer needed, and businesses should establish a schedule for regularly reviewing and purging outdated records. It helps protect sensitive information, minimizes clutter, and frees up space for more essential items. Individuals and businesses can safeguard their data and avoid unnecessary risks by selecting a shredding schedule and adhering to best practices for document retention.
On-going shredding is a wise investment for any business that values the security of sensitive information and the protection of the environment. This service provides enhanced security, convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits, making it a smart choice for businesses of all sizes. When choosing a shredding service for on-going shredding, companies should consider factors such as experience, compliance, customization, security, and sustainability to ensure that they receive the highest quality and most reliable shredding services available. By investing in ATI SecureDocs ‘ on-going shredding services, businesses can rest assured that their documents will be securely disposed of and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Contact us today to learn more about the shredding services we provide.