3 Important Tips For Proper Document Destruction Procedure

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. The majority of business identity theft happens in the dumpsters right on company premises. Not taking the right steps to destroy documents leaves a business susceptible to theft.

It’s easy to assume that you can put a strip shredder in the break room and not worry about identity theft again. Even if you’re using a cut and rip shredder, you still have to take the shredded remains to a recycling plant or they end up right back in the same dumpsters. While it is possible for any organization to take care of their own document destruction, many companies save time and money while increasing their security by hiring a service. As you weigh varying service options, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Look for an on-site document destruction service. Taking sensitive information off of company property always poses increased risk. You want to know that your confidential documents are safe from the moment that they go into the shredding bin until the time that they reach the recycling center. On-site services minimize document transfer time and ensure that the remains will be transported to the recycling center in a secure manner with reputable employees.
2. Select a company that has personalized options. With a “one size fits all” shredding plan, you can end up paying for more than you need or not getting adequate document destruction. Look for services that have multiple options, such as different bin sizes and different schedules. It is not uncommon for destruction services to offer monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly shredding plans.
3. When it doubt, shred it. There is a wealth of sensitive information that you know you have to shred, such as medical records and tax forms. Beyond this information, many companies are not sure what they should and shouldn’t shred. Any item with personal contact information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers, should also be shredded. If you’re ever unsure, go ahead and shred the document. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

UCI offers reputable on-site document destruction services for companies of all sizes with secure trucks that transport the remains to a recycling facility. You get a peace of mind knowing that our employees pass drug testing and background checks, ensuring that your sensitive data remains confidential. Whether you have minimal monthly shredding tasks or you shred large amounts of paper every week, we have a destruction package that fits your needs. We provide document destruction in Wichita Falls, Lubbock, and Amarillo. To learn more about our document destruction and other business services, contact us today.