Document Shredding Myths Debunked: The Truth Behind Secure Destruction

In today’s world of increasing data breaches and identity theft, proper document destruction has never been more important. Yet many businesses and individuals still cling to misconceptions about professional shredding services. At Allegheny Records, we’re setting the record straight by debunking some of the most common document shredding myths.

Myth #1: Professional Shredding is Too Expensive

Many organizations believe that purchasing an office shredder is more economical than hiring professional services. However, this overlooks the true cost of in-house shredding.

Office shredders require regular maintenance, replacement parts, and employee time. Consider how many hours your staff spends feeding documents, clearing jams, and emptying bins—time that could be spent on revenue-generating activities. When you factor in labor costs, the expense of in-house shredding quickly adds up.

With professional shredding services, you pay only for what you need. Whether you choose scheduled service or one-time purges, professional shredding is a cost-effective solution that provides superior security and compliance.

Myth #2: In-House Shredding is Just as Secure

Standard office shredders typically produce strip-cut or basic cross-cut shreds that determined individuals can reassemble. Additionally, in-house shredding lacks proper chain-of-custody protocols, leaving sensitive documents vulnerable between disposal and destruction.

Professional shredding services like Allegheny Records employ industrial-grade equipment capable of turning documents into confetti-sized particles beyond reconstruction. Our state-of-the-art meets the NAID standard for pulverization, ensuring complete destruction of your sensitive information.

Moreover, we provide a Certificate of Destruction for every service, documenting that your information has been properly destroyed—critical evidence for regulatory compliance.

Myth #3: Only Paper Documents Need Shredding

While paper documents certainly require secure destruction, they’re just the beginning. Many organizations overlook the importance of properly destroying other media containing sensitive information.

Professional shredding services can destroy a variety of materials beyond paper, including:

• Hard drives and electronic media
• ID badges and access cards
• Product packaging with proprietary information
• Branded materials

These items often contain valuable information that could be compromised if not properly destroyed. With comprehensive shredding solutions, all sensitive materials can be securely destroyed.

Myth #4: All Shredding Services are the Same

Not all shredding services offer the same level of security, compliance, or convenience. When choosing a provider, consider these important differentiators:

• Certification: Look for a provider with industry recognition and proper certification
• Service Options: The best providers offer both on-site mobile shredding and off-site plant shredding
• Transparency: Can you witness the destruction process?
• Documentation: Proper certificates of destruction are essential

At Allegheny Records, we invite clients to witness the destruction of their records at our facility, where our 200 Hp Allegheny 36-1000C HD Shredder with an In-Floor Advanced Auto-Feed™ System ensures complete security.

Myth #5: Document Storage Eliminates the Need for Shredding

While document storage is essential for records that must be retained, it’s not a substitute for shredding. Every document has a lifecycle, and proper destruction at the end of that cycle is crucial for:

• Reducing legal liability
• Protecting client and employee privacy
• Maintaining regulatory compliance
• Preventing costly data breaches

The most effective records management strategy combines secure storage with professional destruction when documents reach the end of their retention period.

Protect Your Information with Professional Shredding

Don’t let misconceptions about document shredding put your sensitive information at risk. Allegheny Records provides comprehensive shredding services throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, helping businesses and residents maintain the highest levels of information security.

Contact us today to learn more about our professional shredding services or to schedule your secure destruction.