Document Destruction: What Needs to Go?

Responsible document destruction is as important a part of your business as any other aspect. It is the final step of the document lifecycle that needs to be carried out with care from start to finish. These days, basic document shredding simply isn’t enough, especially when it comes to confidential documents that you do not want to fall into the wrong hands. As a result, many companies around the world turn to professional companies that specialise in document archiving, management, storage and destruction. These establishments provide affordable, reliable and convenient solutions and will ensure that all unused and unwanted documents are properly destroyed. The question is though – what documents should you be destroying? And which ones can you dispose of the old-fashioned way?

The general rule is to destroy all of the documents within your company that you no longer have any use for, especially those that contain any of the following information:

• Any telephone numbers,
• Drivers’ license numbers,
• Passport numbers,
• Any information about a client or staff member’s education history (this includes any copies of that person’s accreditations, certifications etc.),
• Employment Information (especially that of salary, addresses etc.),
• Debit and Credit card numbers (if found, this can lead to fraudulent activity),
• Bank account addresses,
• Data about any insurance policies,
• Brokerage account information.

All of this may seem relatively straightforward. However, there are many types of documents that companies do not destroy because they think that they are harmless. Unfortunately, this is not the case. These types of documents include things like X-rays, tax records, business plans, photographs, cancelled cheques, computer reports, CDs, DVDs, brochures, old computer hard drives and many more. The secret to ensuring that you cover all of your bases is to chat to a document management specialist. This person will be able to advise you regarding all of your needs and provide you with expert solutions.

Should you decide to make use of professional a document destruction company, not only will you receive peace of mind, but you will also receive a certificate of destruction after each task has been completed in order to notify you that each document has been properly disposed of. Another great fact is that all of the destroyed documents are recycled in any way possible. Therefore, not only is professional document destruction convenient and reliable, it is also wonderful for reducing your company’s carbon footprint. It is a win-win situation for all.