What Should Be Shredded?

Shredding Toter Knowing what to shred is vital. Determining which documents and individual or business should retain or destroy is a major decision. Paper consumption continues to increase, despite the advantage in technology. The risk of information falling into the wrong hands increases. Protect your documents and reduce your risk.

  • Incidental business records discarded on a daily basis should be protected.
  • Internal personnel should not be responsible for destroying confidential materials.
  • Every business has information that requires destruction.
State and federal governments have become active in establishing rules and laws which give guidance. We encourage our clients to seek counsel from their accountant and/or attorney before establishing a retention policy. Below is an example of materials which should be considered for destruction:

Human Resource
  • Applications
  • Medical Records
  • Payroll Information
  • Performance appraisals
  • Personnel information
Accounting
  • Budget schedules
  • Customer Lists
  • Internal reports
  • Payroll statements
  • Supplier Information
 Sales & Marketing
  • Advertising
  • Customer lists & contracts
  • Strategies
  • Training Information
  • Quotes
Operations
  • Manuals
  • Contracts
  • Health & safety reports

Association of Information Destructors - Guidelines

California Civil Code 1798-80 - 1798.84 - Personal Information establishes rules for companies and individuals who have personal information and prescribes civil penalties.