Customer Login
Protecting sensitive information has never been more important.
From customer information to financial accounts and employee records, organisations are legally and morally obliged to handle confidential documents with care. But when it comes to the disposal of this information, many business decision-makers want to be as certain as possible about the safety and security of their chosen shredding services provider.For this reason, this article offers an honest perspective on what makes some shredding services more secure than others, and why choosing a professional service like Restore Datashred offers the ultimate level of security.
Understanding the safety of shredding services
The truth is that safety depends entirely on the provider. Risks can creep in when utilising office shredders, DIY disposal methods and retail store drop-offs. Strip-cut shredders, for instance, leave long ribbons of paper that could, in theory, be pieced back together. Equally, a locked bin in a shop might appear secure, but if it’s left unattended overnight, it can become a target.
Professional shredding companies, however, employ stringent measures to preserve confidential information. For example, at Restore Datashred, documents are never left in an open or exposed bin. Instead, we provide lockable consoles for your office that are then collected via GPS-tracked vehicles, enabling us to maintain a secure chain of custody from start to finish.
Our accreditationsThe risks of DIY and office shredders
At face value, it is reasonable to have a shredder in the office. You can shred a few pages at one time, save some money, and have it out of the way. But in practice, there are a couple of drawbacks:
- Unreliable use: Not all employees are reminded (or concerned enough) to shred all confidential materials. One seemingly inconsequential error is all it takes for a data breach.
- Low-level security: Office paper shredders strip-cut in most cases, and these can be reassembled (this may be a rare occurrence, but it’s not worth the risk)
- Time consumer: Shredding large stacks of files takes a lot of time, particularly if the process is being hindered by paper jams, de-stapling or de-clipping.
- Compliance gaps: Many of the compliance documents that auditors require (such as a Certificate of Destruction) can only be obtained by shredding with an external provider.
The largest problem, though, is disposal. When shredded paper exits your bin, it’s beyond your control. Whether cleaners, waste collection people, or opportunists get to it, you can’t be sure what’s next.
Retail drop-off services: Points to consider
A few years ago, a Reddit post that gained traction questioned the integrity of office supply store shredding services. In the ensuing discussion, it emerged that some service providers inserted shredded paper into plastic bins with flimsy locks – with some of them being abandoned in public areas. In one instance quoted, burglars broke in and stole only the bin containing unshredded documents.
It’s a sobering reminder that not all shredding solutions are created equal. While retail drop-offs may be affordable, they lack the robust security protocols you’d expect from a professional shredding provider. The risk of interception between drop-off and destruction is simply too high.
Why professional shredding services are different
Professional shredding companies are built around security. At Restore Datashred, every step is designed to safeguard your information:
Guaranteed secure chain of custody
From the moment your documents are placed in one of our shredding consoles, they remain under secure lock and key. Our uniformed staff collect them in GPS-labelled trucks and take them straight to be destroyed. Your papers are never exposed at any time.
Industrial-strength destruction
Ditch strip-cut shredders. Commercial-grade shredders slice documents into infinitesimally tiny confetti-like fragments that could never be reconstructed. That is the industry benchmark for complete destruction.
Compliance and audit trail
When completed, you're provided with a Certificate of Destruction. This is the formal evidence that you've followed GDPR and other data defence laws. In the event of future issues, you have records that show documents were destroyed securely.
Trained and screened staff
Our staff members are background-screened, extensively trained, and follow precise security procedures. This minimises human error and ensures sensitive information is handled with the respect it deserves.
On-site vs off-site shredding
Some prefer their documents shredded on-site, before their very eyes. That is facilitated by mobile shredding trucks. Others prefer off-site shredding, where documents are transported for secure destruction in a plant. Both options are secure, but the choice depends on your own personal preferences and business requirements.
- On-site mobile shredding provides visibility of the process as it happens.
- Off-site shredding provides the same level of security but is typically more cost-effective in larger volumes.
Either way, the chain of custody is preserved, and you have the same Certificate of Destruction afterwards.
Why DIY disposal poses the greatest risk
Suppose you yourself shred documents on an office shredder. Then, you dispose of the paper using a recycling bin. Your sensitive data could change hands (e.g. via cleaners, bin collectors, etc) many times before reaching its final destination. The risk of data falling into the wrong hands during the disposal process makes DIY shredding the riskiest approach. Professional service takes that uncertainty away entirely.
Environmental responsibility
Today, sustainability is as important as security. Professional shredding ensures not only complete destruction but also eco-friendly disposal. All shredded paper is baled and sent for recycling, helping businesses meet sustainability goals. At Restore Datashred, nothing goes to landfill. By working with us, you’re protecting data and the planet at the same time.
Our ESG journeyWhat businesses should look for in a shredding partner
Shredding services are secure when you partner with the right provider. Here’s what to check:
Security credentials
ISO-certified firms with proven compliance track records.
Chain of custody
Make sure they offer locked boxes and GPS-tracked transport.
Certificates of Destruction
Essential to audit trails and compliance.
Flexibility
On-site or off-site shredding option choice.
Local shredding services you can trust
Whether you’re in the capital or further afield, secure shredding is always nearby. Wherever your business is based, you’ll get the same guaranteed chain of custody, industrial-grade destruction, and Certificate of Destruction.
The main concern isn’t whether shredding services can be trusted – it’s whether businesses can afford the consequences of not using them. Data breaches can be costly, both financially and in terms of reputational damage. Professional shredding reassures you that documents are shredded beyond recovery, with a total audit trail to support it.
So, when someone asks if shredding services are secure, you'll be able to say: With Restore Datashred, yes. Get in touch today to get started.
Get in touch