5 Easy Ways to Safely Get Rid Of Your Confidential Documents

5 EASY WAYS TO SAFELY GET RID OF YOUR CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

You cannot simply leave your confidential documents unattended and accumulating on shelves. Once they have been reviewed for accuracy and served the purpose as well as the specified tenure, get rid of them properly. Not only do the piles take up space, but they also remain vulnerable to identity theft or fraud. So, here are five easy ways you can safely and properly dispose of documents containing personal information:

Cut the Documents The easiest way to get rid of your documents is to cut them with scissors. It is suitable for a smaller load and also when you have some extra time on hand. However, make sure you slice up all papers in multiple pieces haphazardly so no one can tape the pieces together.

Burn Away Burning is another easy and effective method to get rid of waste documents. But always try it in a wood stove or a fire pit. This may seem quick and convenient but is definitely not environmentally friendly.

Besides, burning isn’t possible with bigger loads, as it requires proper permission to ensure you are not causing any harm.

Pulp Them Destroying your confidential paperwork by pulping them is an excellent way to keep your details from landing in the wrong hands. Simply soak the pile in bleach water, and it renders the text illegible. When the process completes, drain the remaining water somewhere in the yard and trash the pulp.

Add To the Compost This is an environment-friendly approach to getting rid of your waste papers without much effort. Simply add the piles to the compost along with food and coffee filters. The bundle will break down just fine and get you the best results. However, make sure your heaps are suitable for compositing. Chemical-laden paper like glossy and inky paper cannot make it to the compost. So remain careful of what you can and what you cannot put into the compost.

Shred Your Documents Many sensitive documents contain nothing but legal jargon that is of no use to anyone. Here cutting, tearing, or burning away the parts containing your information may be feasible.

However, documents containing your date of birth details, junk mail, financial information, driver’s license number, legal information, medical records, social security number, and your signature must be shredded beyond recognition.

While DIY shredding does solve the purpose, professional shredders are much more powerful. These shred the pile into a useless load that no one can decode.

When you are ready, look up “shred services near me” on Google and find a certified, dependable, and professional service provider to help you with your home/ business shredding needs.

Final Thoughts While at-home paper disposal is convenient and affordable, it can still make it easier for criminals to access your personal information. There are better alternatives to get the job done much more efficiently and safely, and professional shredding is one of them. But no matter what method you choose, the ultimate aim is to get rid of the piling paper without getting your identity stolen. And speaking from experience, shredding services are quick, secure, and even environmental-friendly.

So, choose your options wisely.