Demystifying Document Destruction: Answers to Common Shredding Questions

Properly destroying sensitive documents is important for maintaining privacy and security. However, many people have questions about how Houston shredding companies work and the best practices to follow. This article will explain the ins and outs of secure paper shredding by answering some frequently asked questions.

Why is Document Shredding Necessary?

The main reason you should shred documents is to stop sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. Tax returns, bank statements, contracts, and other records often contain personal and financial data that could allow identity theft or corporate espionage if obtained by criminals. Proper document destruction prevents this.

Shredding is also required to comply with legal regulations in fields like healthcare, finance, and more. Failing to properly destroy confidential documents can result in heavy fines.

What Kind of Shredder Do I Need?

There are a few main types of shredders to consider:

• Strip-cut shredders: The most basic models that cut paper into long strips. They offer minimal security.

• Cross-cut shredders: The typical office shredder that cuts paper into small, confetti-like pieces. Good for basic security.

• Micro-cut shredders: Also called particle-cut. They pulverize paper down into tiny dust-like fragments that are very hard to reconstruct. Ideal for maximum security.

How Small Should Shredded Pieces Be?

Experts recommend the shredded particles be no larger than 5/16 inches wide to safely prevent reconstruction. Cross-cut and micro-cut shredders meet this size. Strip-cut shredding does not and provides limited protection.

How Much Does Shredding Cost?

Pricing can vary widely based on factors like service type, volume, and location. At Houston UPS stores, per-pound shredding costs around $2 for small loads and as low as $0.80/lb for high-volume bulk shredding. At-home shredding has added service fees. For one-time needs, DIY shredding is often the most affordable option.

Can I Shred Paper with Staples or Clips?

You'll want to remove all metal objects first. Staples, paper clips, binders, etc. can damage shredders. Some higher end models have integrated removal features that allow you to shred limited amounts of stapled items. Check your user manual for guidance.

What About Shredding Optical Media?

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs require special "disintegrator" shredders. Do not put these in a regular paper shredder - they can crack the machine. Some document shredding Houston services like UPS locations can destroy optical media for an added fee.

Is it Better to Shred Myself or Use a Service?

If you only occasionally need to shred a small amount of documents, doing it yourself is likely the cheaper option. But for regular large-scale shredding needs, a professional service may provide more value through volume discounts and convenience. It's also wise to outsource highly sensitive document destruction for maximum security.

What Else Should I Know About Shredding Best Practices?

A few extra tips:

• Don't let your shredder bin overfill - this jams machines and compresses paper fragments.

• Periodically oil and clean your shredder according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Always use a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder for sensitive documents.

• For maximum security, consider a professional shredding company that destroys documents offsite. This removes vulnerability to theft.

Conclusion

While shredding paper can seem tedious, it's a smart way to protect your privacy. Following best practices for using the right shredder and safely handling documents is key. Now that you know the basics, you can start demystifying document destruction and securely manage sensitive information.