We live in a digital world where much of our information is readily available online, even with appropriate security measures in place. However, despite the advancements in technology, there remains a large amount of information that is stored on paper and needs to be disposed of properly.

If you are careful about your personal information you will know that anything with your name and address on needs to be destroyed properly. This is even more important when dealing with more complex personal information. If it has more detailed information not disposing of it properly is effectively inviting someone to steal your identity.

That’s why you need to take the proper steps when destroying documents and information.

Shredders

The best way to ensure all the information is gone and can’t be retrieved is through document shredding. This is when a machine cuts it into small strips, rendering it impossible to read the information on the page.

However, we are not talking about your standard retail shredder that cuts documents one way. To ensure your personal information can’t be pieced back together you want to use security shredders. These have a much finer cut than the traditional shredder and they cut in two directions. This makes it significantly harder to piece anything together and find your information.

It is possible to invest in a security shredder. However, these machines are state-of-the-art and not the cheapest option on the market. Unless you will be using it regularly, you will find it better to use document shredding services.

These services are confidential. All you have to do is drop off your bag of personal documents and they will shred them for you, guaranteeing to do it properly.  You can relax in confidence knowing that no one can use your old documents to cause you harm.

Incineration

Incineration or fire is another way of eliminating personal information. However, you should be aware that the fire needs to be very hot to allow a clean burn and just ash at the end. If the fire is not hot enough the documents will only be partially burned and your information may still be read.

That’s why it is generally not advisable to do this at home. Instead, use a professional incineration service that will burn your papers for you.

Milling

The milling process effectively turns your old document into a new, plain sheet of paper. You give them your personal documents and they effectively put them through the same milling process that is used to create paper. It eliminates your details and recycles the paper at the same time.

Reputation

The key to choosing the right method and supplier is to verify the reputation of the business you are intending to use. It is essential that they have a good rep as you are giving them all your personal details.  You can ask friends and check online to ensure you have a reputable destroyer of documents.