Keeping a business secure requires a lot of layers, each with a range of options for business owners to consider. One important step essential to protecting Arizona businesses is secure paper shredding. However, many owners aren’t aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the two available shredding methods, which can lead to security breaches or even privacy law violations.
On-Site Paper Shredding
On-site shredding is generally more secure than off-site shredding and more price-efficient. Large shredding trucks meet onsite, allowing business owners to watch and certify that proper documentation is being shredded in compliance with FACTA, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and other industry-specific legislation.
On-site shredding is often utilized by businesses with large quantities of material that must adhere to strict industry standards, such as medical professionals and educators. Due to FACTA, it’s a good idea for all business owners with multiple employees to utilize on-site shredding to ensure employee information is disposed of properly. Failing to do so can result in fines of up to $10,000 per employee.
Disadvantages include high noise levels due to the shredder and the need to allocate space for the 40-foot-long truck.
Off-Site Paper Shredding
The paper shredding company will send a truck to the location where documents are placed in a bin, loaded into the truck and transported to a facility for shredding at a later time. Some businesses aren’t comfortable with off-site shredding because it’s impossible to track when or where documents are destroyed.
Some businesses prefer off-site shredding due to space limitations at their facilities or the challenges of navigating driving routes for large shredding trucks. It’s also perfect for companies near residences or where noise is a nuisance. It can also be more cost-efficient; however, some on-site services may match the quote.
Joe Caradonna is the owner of Proshred Arizona, a document shredding service in Tempe, Arizona. The company provides document shredding services for businesses throughout the Valley.
