

Recent events like COVID-19 show how life can change quickly for businesses. Also ask about any customer loyalty programs, which can save you money over the long run. Be wary of hidden fees, such as fuel surcharges, environmental fees, console delivery charges, or parking fees in large cities. Transparent PricesĪnother sign of a trusted local shredding service is that their prices are competitive for your area. Ensure that your shredding service recycles waste responsibly so that you can count on green services that boost your corporate sustainability and help the planet. The waste you create from shredding can impact the environment, and this is especially true for e-waste from electronics and hard drives. This may include paper documents, but also folders, binders, proprietary products and other digital media like disks and hard drives.

Accepts Different MaterialsĬonfirm that the shredding company you choose can handle all of the different kinds of sensitive materials you use in your business. Another option is to hold a shredding event, which can provide private or community access to mobile shredders to safely destroy a large quantity of papers and other materials. That said, businesses with work from home employees may need a more flexible option, in which case you can arrange for off-site shredding on a regularly scheduled or one-time basis. On-site shredding services can help limit the misplacement of documents along the way and gives you visibility into the process. On-Site and Off-Site Serviceĭepending on what’s most convenient for your business, you may want to choose between on-site or off-site shredding. This service report for your records proves that your materials were properly destroyed in accordance with security best practices and applicable compliance laws. Certificates of DestructionĪ reputable shredding company should provide you with a certificate of destruction after completing the job. The professionals conducting the service should also limit access to the shredding equipment, documents, and waste material to ensure protection all the way to the end of the process. This means, your employees place sensitive materials into a secure bin or console, then you can watch the steps as they are gathered and destroyed on site.

Secure Shredding Start to Finishĭocument shredding should be a secure process, and therefore your materials need to follow a secure chain of custody from collection to destruction. You can usually find the NAID badge on their website. Look for a company that is at least NAID AAA certified. NAID® is the standard-setting body in secure data destruction, and they offer certifications. It’s important to know that your shredding service provider knows and follows all current best practices for information security. In addition, look for a shredding company with ties to the community so you know that they and their employees understand your needs as a customer. Ask if the company conducts background checks and thorough training of employees. Since shredding companies handle your sensitive information themselves, they must hire trustworthy individuals to carry out the work. Whether you’re in the legal, financial, healthcare or any other industry, ask a shredding company about their knowledge of your area. A good document shredding company understands the range of regulations that apply to your industry and their significance. Understands Compliance LawsĮach industry has its own security and privacy regulations. Looking for a company that has these traits will help you choose the best shredding service provider with the right equipment, protocols, and services to ensure your sensitive information stays out of the wrong hands. Here, we list the top 13 things to consider when choosing a local shredding company. In addition, they should meet certain other factors, such as following security procedures and privacy laws. But for the best results, shredding services should use the most sophisticated means of destruction, whether for paper or hard drives. Document shredding companies provide security against this growing threat of data breaches. No matter whatever your industry is, your employees can put your company’s information at risk for a security breach, intentionally or unintentionally, through the careless handling of hard copy records. In hospitals, for example, hard copy records (including paper and film) are the most common location of data breaches.

Data thieves target sensitive paper documents at least as much as digital ones, and often with greater ease. However, even if you have a thorough cybersecurity plan, it still should be paired with equally effective physical security. Protecting your sensitive information is a top priority for most businesses.
