Document Shredding vs. Incineration: Which is More Secure?

An often-misunderstood aspect of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) disposal rule is that it doesn’t prescribe the method for destroying documents; it simply requires businesses to properly dispose of sensitive information and suggests various destruction methods like burning, pulverizing, and shredding. Among these options, shredding and burning stand out as popular choices for rendering documents unreadable. But which of the two methods offers greater security? Let’s delve into a comparison.

Security

• Shredding: Shredding effectively destroys documents but may pose compliance risks if not executed properly. However, professional shredding companies offer secure shredding services, mitigating such risks. These companies, especially those that have been NAID AAA Certified by i-SIGMA, maintain a solid reputation for security and compliance. Entrusting your shredding needs to certified professionals ensures adherence to FACTA disposal rules. Additionally, you receive chain-of-custody reports and a Certificate of Destruction, providing assurance that your documents have been securely handled and disposed of.
• Incineration: Incineration, whether do-it-yourself or outsourced, lacks the same level of security during document handling and transition. Unlike shredding, burning large quantities of paper may leave some sections unburned, potentially compromising sensitive information. Any remnants of readable paper fail to meet FACTA’s disposal requirements, posing a risk of exploitation for illicit purposes.

Safety

• Shredding: Shredding documents is a safe, clean, and secure process, devoid of hazards associated with fire-related methods.
• Incineration: Starting fires to burn documents carries inherent risks, including the possibility of chimney fires, airborne embers, and unburned paper, posing threats to property and the environment. Such practices may also violate local fire regulations.

Environmental Impact

• Shredding: Opting for professional shredding services ensures not only secure disposal but also environmentally responsible practices. Shredded materials are typically recycled, reducing the demand for virgin paper, and minimizing landfill waste.
• Incineration: Incinerating paper releases harmful gases and carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene, and more into the atmosphere, contributing to pollution and health hazards. While it diverts paper from landfills, it misses the opportunity for recycling and instead produces carbon emissions and releases toxic chemicals while squandering the potential for multiple reuse cycles.

When considering all of the facts, shredding emerges as the preferred method for securely destroying sensitive information, offering safety, compliance, and environmental benefits.

At Stevens & Stevens, we provide NAID AAA Certified, secure shredding services throughout Florida’s central gulf coast. We offer regularly-scheduled shredding service with locked shredding collection containers as well as one-time purge service. To partner with us for document destruction, contact us at 855-573-3900 or complete the form on this page.