What is a “Shred-All” Policy?

“Cut off your files – before they cut you off!” This famous slogan from the National Archives and Records Administration might sound dramatic, but it carries a vital message about managing records responsibly. Originally crafted over 30 years ago, its relevance has only grown. With the rise of privacy laws and identity theft risks, failing to manage your documents securely can lead to dire consequences for both individuals and businesses.

To mitigate these risks, shredding your documents is essential. But how can you ensure no sensitive information slips through the cracks? A “shred-all” policy is the solution. This policy simplifies document disposal, enhances security, and ensures compliance with privacy laws.

What Is a Shred-All Policy?

A shred-all policy requires that every document, regardless of its content, be shredded once it’s no longer needed. This proactive approach eliminates the guesswork of determining whether a document is sensitive and ensures a streamlined and secure disposal process.

The primary goals of a shred-all policy include:

• Preventing data breaches
• Ensuring compliance with regulations
• Eliminating human error in document disposal

By shredding everything, organizations significantly reduce the risk of exposing confidential information and safeguard themselves from legal liabilities.

Why Implement a Shred-All Policy?

Here’s why a shred-all policy is a smart choice:

1. Consistency

Every document is treated equally, removing any ambiguity about what needs shredding. This standardization reduces the risk of human error and ensures sensitive information doesn’t slip through unnoticed.

2. Enhanced Security

Shredding all documents eliminates the possibility of confidential information being reconstructed, accessed, or misused. Sensitive data is rendered completely irretrievable.

3. Regulatory Compliance

A shred-all policy supports adherence to key privacy regulations, including:

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
• FACTA (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act)
• GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)

These laws require secure disposal of personal and business records to protect individuals and organizations from privacy violations.

4. Efficiency

Reviewing each document to decide its sensitivity can be time-consuming. With a shred-all policy, disposal is simplified—saving time, effort, and resources.

5. Cost Management

Although shredding everything might seem costly at first, it eliminates the labor-intensive process of sorting documents, ultimately saving on staff time and minimizing risks.

Shred-All Policy in Practice

Implementing a shred-all policy is easy with the right shredding partner. Look for secure and convenient shredding solutions to fit your needs:

• On-Site Shredding: Documents are shredded at your location for maximum security.
• Off-Site Shredding: Documents are securely transported to our facility for destruction.
• Drop-Off Shredding: Convenient for residential shredding or small businesses.

Our services comply with all state and federal regulations, providing a Certificate of Destruction for every job, ensuring your compliance is documented.

How Allegheny Records Can Help

At Allegheny Records, we make document destruction seamless:

• Secure Collection: Our locked bins and consoles ensure documents are secure before shredding.
• Trusted Staff: All technicians are background-checked and trained in secure document handling.
• Environmentally Friendly: We recycle 100% of shredded material, reducing your carbon footprint.

Ready to implement a shred-all policy for your business or home? Call Allegheny Records at 412-381-1010 or complete the form on this page. Let us help you protect your sensitive residential or business information while simplifying your document management.