Document Disposal Errors to Avoid in 2021

2021 is almost here. It is the perfect time to assess your information security strategy. While some mistakes are unavoidable, bad document disposal habits can lead to trouble. In this blog, we discuss how to avoid several errors that put your information at risk.

Using an Office Shredder

Office shredders shred your documents into strips that can be put back together. An identity thief can steal the shredded material from your dumpster and reconstruct your documents. A shredding service provider controls your information within a strict chain of custody. Security-screened shredding representatives destroy your documents site with a mobile document destruction vehicle while you watch.

Neglecting Document Disposition Requirements

Holding onto documents longer than necessary increases your company’s liability exposure. When paper records reach the end of their retention period, destroy them.

Failing to Verify Disposal

Businesses that collect personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI) are required to comply with the following laws:

• The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA)
• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB)
• The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
• Pennsylvania Law 713

Failure to prove your organization’s compliance with these regulations may result in fines. Document shredding help you prove your compliance with state and federal privacy laws. Your shredding provider issues a Certificate of Destruction noting the date of destruction and amount of information destroyed after every shredding project.

Throwing Documents in the Trash

Putting a document with sensitive personal, financial, or medical information in the trash can will lead to a data breach. There is little you can do to stop someone from rummaging through your garbage. Have your documents professionally shredded by a reputable document destruction company.

Recycling Without Destroying First

Protecting the environment should be one of your top priorities, but blue recycling bins may put your information at risk. If an employee tosses a document containing PII into a blue bin, anyone can reach in and remove it—not to mention what happens when it leaves your premises on the recycling truck.

With a shredding service, you do not sacrifice security at the expense of sustainability. Your employees deposit confidential documents into a locked security console or bin provided by your shredding partner. After the documents are collected and destroyed, your shredded paper is baled and sent to a paper mill to be pulped and recycled. 100 percent of your shredded waste is used to produce a variety of consumer products.

For more shredding tips, please call us at 610-692-TEAR(8327) or complete the form on this page.

Wiggins Shredding serves Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Area of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey with secure shredding and destruction services. We are your trusted, locally-owned paper shredding resource!