Many people think shredding only applies to highly confidential or business-critical information. But in reality, everyday documents can also contain sensitive personal data that identity thieves can exploit.

Even seemingly harmless papers like junk mail or old travel documents can reveal enough information to compromise your privacy. To stay fully protected, here are eight essential documents you should always shred.

1. Junk Mail

It might look like harmless advertising, but junk mail often contains more personal information than you think. Your name, address, and sometimes partial account details can be enough for scammers to build a profile. Instead of tossing it in the bin, shred all unsolicited mail to prevent data harvesting.

2. Bank Statements

Old or recent, bank statements are a treasure trove for fraudsters. They include your account number, branch details, transaction history, and address, everything needed for identity theft or fraudulent applications. Always shred bank statements once you no longer need them, especially before switching to digital banking.

3. Old Boarding Passes

Those old flight stubs or printed e-tickets may seem useless, but their QR codes contain personal information such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and flight details. Never post pictures of boarding passes online, and always shred them before disposal.

4. Travel Itineraries and Schedules

Whether for business or leisure, travel itineraries can reveal where you’ve been, your frequent flyer details, and even allow someone to rebook or access your travel accounts. Always shred these documents to protect both your identity and your travel profiles.

5. Identification and Photos

Old IDs, photocopies of passports, or expired driving licences can be used for impersonation or fraud. The same applies to photos and images that display identifying information. Shred them rather than disposing of them in general waste to ensure they can’t fall into the wrong hands.

6. Shipping Labels and Delivery Documents

When receiving parcels, check for shipping receipts or documents attached to the packaging. These often list your name, address, phone number, and even part of your payment details. Remove and shred all shipping labels or enclosed documents once you’ve confirmed delivery.

7. Post-it Notes and Desk Memos

Small but dangerous Post-it notes can carry sensitive reminders like passwords, security codes, or customer details. It’s best practice to shred them instead of crumpling them up or leaving them in the bin, where they could easily be retrieved.

8. Cancelled or Old Cheques

Even cancelled or voided cheques contain vital personal and financial details, including sort codes, account numbers, and signatures. Shred them immediately to eliminate any chance of misuse.

Why Secure Shredding Matters

Improper disposal of documents, even ones that seem trivial, can lead to serious data breaches, fraud, or GDPR non-compliance. At Restore Datashred, we specialise in secure, GDPR-compliant shredding services that ensure all your personal and business documents are destroyed beyond recovery.

We provide both on-site and off-site shredding, complete with a Certificate of Destruction for your records. Plus, 100% of shredded paper is recycled, supporting your environmental goals while keeping your information safe.

Protect Your Privacy with Restore Datashred

Don’t take chances with your personal data. Partner with Restore Datashred for certified, secure shredding services that protect you and your business from data theft and compliance risks.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote or use our online tool to find the exemplary shredding service for your needs.