Secure Shredding 101: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

In a world where data breaches are becoming increasingly common, secure document destruction is a necessity. At Augusta Data Storage, we get how important it is to protect your data from unauthorized access. We’re answering some of the most common questions about our shredding services to help you understand the best ways to keep your information safe.

What types of documents should be shredded?

To keep your personal or professional information safe, we recommend shredding any document that contains sensitive or personally identifying information. This includes but is not limited to:

• Bank statements
• Credit card offers
• Tax documents
• Pay stubs
• Medical records

Regularly shredding these types of documents helps prevent identity theft and ensures data security.

Pro tip: Check out our guide on deciding which documents to save or shred for more information.

Why should I shred my documents?

Shredding your documents is a crucial step in protecting your identity or business and preventing identity theft. Throwing away sensitive documents without shredding them leaves you vulnerable to fraud, as thieves can easily gather personal information from discarded papers.

What are the benefits of shredding?

Shredding not only helps protect yourself and your business from identity theft, but it also has environmental benefits. Shredded paper can be recycled and reused, reducing waste and helping the environment.

How often should I shred my documents?

The frequency of shredding your documents depends on the volume of sensitive information you handle. For personal use, it is recommended to shred documents every 3-6 months. Businesses that handle sensitive information should have a regular shredding schedule in place.

Pro tip: Learn more about setting retention schedules for your business on our blog.

Are paper shredding services safe?

Yes, paper shredding services from certified shredding providers are highly secure. At Augusta Data Storage, we utilize state-of-the-art shredding technology and strict chain-of-custody procedures to ensure your documents are securely destroyed.

Augusta Data Storage is the only document destruction service provider in the CSRA with NAID AAA Certification. This globally recognized certification is one of the most challenging to obtain in the data destruction industry, and we have maintained strict compliance since 2009. This means you can trust us to handle your sensitive documents with the utmost care and security.

How much does paper shredding cost?

The cost of paper shredding depends on how many documents you have and whether you need a one-time or recurring service. For detailed pricing, just reach out to our customer service team for a customized quote.

Does Augusta Data Storage offer free shredding?

To keep our high security standards and certifications, we don’t offer free shredding services. However, our pricing is competitive and affordable for small businesses and individuals alike.

Do you offer both on-site and off-site shredding services?

Yes, we offer both on-site and off-site shredding services. On-site shredding allows you to witness the shredding process at your location, while off-site shredding involves securely transporting your documents to our facility for destruction.

Can I witness the shredding of my documents?

Absolutely. If you choose our on-site shredding service, you can witness the destruction of your documents firsthand, providing you with additional peace of mind.

Do you provide one-time shredding services or only recurring schedules?

We offer both one-time and recurring shredding services to fit your needs. Whether you need a single purge or regular shredding, we have a solution for you.

What happens to my shredded documents?

They’re recycled! We are proud to partner with a company right here in Georgia to recycle all the paper pulp we create throughout the year. Once we have processed and baled the paper, GP Harmon picks up the paper pulp bales and recycles them to make new products.

Can you shred other materials besides paper, such as hard drives or electronic media?

Yes, we also offer shredding services for hard drives and other electronic media, plus product destruction for things like uniforms, expired products, and more. Feel free to reach out for more information on these services.

Do you provide a Certificate of Destruction?

Yes, upon completion of the shredding process, we provide a Certificate of Destruction. This document serves as proof that your materials have been securely destroyed.

How can I schedule a shredding service?

Scheduling a shredding service is easy. Just give us a call or get a quote online to set up a convenient time for your shredding needs. For recurring shredding, we will work with you to create a customized schedule that fits your business’s needs.

Pro tip: Consider scheduling recurring shredding services to ensure regular and secure destruction of sensitive documents.

Do you provide drop-off shredding services?

Yes, we offer drop-off shredding, so you can bring your documents to our facility for destruction. It’s a handy option for individuals or businesses with smaller amounts of documents to shred.

Do you provide shredding containers?

For accounts with recurring shredding, we provide secure collection containers to keep your documents safe between pickups.

Are there any items that should not be included in the shredding bin?

Yes, certain items should not be included in the shredding bin. To ensure a smooth shredding process, we recommend removing binder clips, plastic covers or sleeves, and other non-paper materials before placing documents in the bin. (Staples and paper clips are okay.)

How do you ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations?
We adhere to all relevant data protection laws and industry standards. Our secure shredding processes, regular audits, and certifications ensure that we maintain compliance and provide the highest level of security for your information.

What other services do you offer?

Aside from shredding services, we also offer records management to help you organize and securely store your physical records. We also offer document scanning services to convert your paper documents into digital files for easier access and storage. No matter your document management needs, we have a solution for you.

Choose Augusta Data Storage for Your Shredding Needs

Ensuring the secure destruction of sensitive documents is key to protecting your personal and business information. At Augusta Data Storage, we’re committed to offering reliable and thorough shredding services just for you. Whether it’s shredding, storage, or scanning, our professional team is here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to safeguard your sensitive information? Contact us today to schedule your shredding service and learn more about how we can help you protect your data with our secure shredding solutions.