Shredding documents is an important part of safeguarding sensitive information, whether it is for business or personal purposes. Many people choose DIY shredding because it is seen as a cost-effective and simple solution. However, there are hidden risks that are linked with handling shredding on your own, which can compromise data security and lead to financial or legal consequences.
In this post, we’re going to have a look at the risks of DIY shredding and the reasons behind hiring a professional shredding service being the safer choice:
Inadequate Security With DIY Shredding
One of the main reasons for shredding paperwork is to make sure that sensitive information is destroyed beyond recovery. DIY shredding, especially with lower-grade tools, can often fall short of this. Home machines sometimes have limited shredding capability and can’t handle large volumes of paper or thicker materials such as CDs, credit cards or even staple documents. This means that you are limited to what you can shred effectively at home or in the office.
You also need to look at crosscut vs strip cut, as many personal shredders only use a strip shredding method. This puts them at risk of being reconstructed. However, a professional shredding service can use cross-cut or micro-cut technology, which makes it virtually impossible to piece these documents back together. Relying solely on DIY shredding can leave your documents exposed to security breaches.
Risks Of Human Error
When you shred in your home office or at home, there can also be a significant risk of human error. Mistakes can happen when you are sorting through documents or shredding sensitive materials. It is easy to overlook or Miss documents that could be shredded, especially when you are rushing through a large pile of paperwork. Missing just one document that has sensitive data can lead to identity theft or data breaches.
When you have a DIY shredding setup, shredded materials are often disposed of in your regular waste bins, which anybody can access. When you use a professional shredding company, they will ensure that shredded materials are disposed of properly, often in a controlled recycling process that prevents recovery.
The potential for human error in DIY shredding means that you are risking the exposure of your sensitive information. The much safer option is to choose a professional shredding service, as this can be more reliable than shredding your paperwork yourself.
Lack Of Compliance With Data Protection Laws
In the UK, businesses have to follow strict regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. These laws are in place and demand data on how personal and sensitive data should be handled and disposed of. When you don’t comply, it can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
DIY shredding often fails to meet these requirements because of a lack of certification. A professional shredding service will provide you with a certificate of destruction, which is crucial for businesses that want to prove they comply with the GDPR. You will also have inconsistent record keeping, as, without the proper documentation, companies can struggle to prove that they have followed legal protocols. When you use a professional shredding service, especially as a business, you can rest assured that you are compliant with all data protection laws, reducing the risk of any legal action.
Environmental Concerns
Why don’t you see DIY shredding as a more environmentally friendly option? The truth is that professional shredding companies can offer you more sustainable solutions. Many shredding services in the UK ensure that all shredded materials are recycled, which helps reduce the environmental impact.
When you look at shredded material from home or office shredders compared to professional shredding services, you will find that DIY shredders will often put their waste in regular recycling bins, which means they are more likely to be sent to landfills. On top of this, the quality of the shredded paper from consumer grid machines may not be right for recycling plants, which further reduces its sustainability.
When you use a professional shredding service, it can help you minimise your environmental footprint by making sure that any destroyed materials are handled in the right way.
Time And Cost Inefficiencies
DIY shredding might seem as though it’s going to save you money; however, in reality, it is often the opposite. When you need to shred large volumes of documents, it can be incredibly time-consuming, and that means the time spent on shredding is taken away from other important tasks.
Shredding with a household or office Reddit is usually incredibly slow as these machines are not made for large volumes of shredding. These machines can easily overheat after prolonged use,d they wilen need a cool-down period. This can cause delays in your shredding process. Personal shredders also require you to have regular maintenance, including cleaning and oiling, to make sure that they are functioning effectively. These machines can break down easily if you aren’t looking after them properly, which leads to additional costs for repairs and replacements.
DIY shredding can also involve hidden costs, such as the bags for disposing of shredded material, the time spent on maintenance and electricity usage. Over time, this all adds up, and it can make professional shredding the more economical choice.
A professional shredding service will make sure that you avoid all of these inefficiencies as they can shred large volumes quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. This will make sure that you have more time to focus on important tasks.
Conclusion
Wild DIY shredding can appear to be a cost-effective and convenient solution. Still, it carries some risks that could compromise your data security, potentially expose you to legal consequences, and waste your valuable time. When you choose a professional shredding service, it offers you a much safer and more efficient alternative that ensures that any sensitive information is securely destroyed and that you remain compliant with UK data protection laws.
