February 20, 2025
7 Reasons to Use a Professional Shredding Service
When data breaches and identity theft are on the rise (Reuters), protecting sensitive information is even more important. But safeguarding your business goes beyond digital security – it’s how you handle physical documents matters too.
From ensuring compliance with constantly evolving data protection regulations and guidance to saving time, cutting costs, and contributing to sustainability, professional shredding services offer unparalleled benefits. Curious about how these services can transform your approach to secure document disposal?
Let’s explore the key reasons why professional shredding is the smart choice for your business.
1. Ensure Data Security
The risk of data breaches aren’t confined to online threats.
Physical documents containing sensitive information such as client details, financial records or employee files, can be equally vulnerable if not properly destroyed. Professional shredding services guarantee complete destruction of these materials using industrial-grade shredders that render documents unreadable.
With secure containers provided for collection and a strict chain-of-custody, you can rest assured that your information is protected every step of the way.
Discover more about the secure shedding process!
2. Stay Compliant with Data Protection Laws
Regulations like the EU and UK GDPR place strict requirements on how businesses handle and dispose of sensitive information - and the rules apply to all companies who process EU and UK citizens personal data.
Failing to comply can lead to severe fines and reputational damage. Professional shredding services not only destroy your documents securely but also provide a Certificate of Destruction. This document serves as legal proof that your business is handling its data responsibly.
To learn more about GDPR requirements in the UK, visit the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guide. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting your customers’ and employees’ trust in your business.
3. Save Time and Effort
Shredding large volumes of documents in-house can take hours, requiring significant manual effort and diverting your team from more critical tasks.
Professional shredding services streamline the process. With a range of services from mobile and on-site to off-site, scheduled or one-off, you can choose the solution that best fits your needs. On-site shredding is done at your location while you watch, while off-site shredding securely transports documents to a shredding facility for disposal. Scheduled services ensure regular document destruction, making it a seamless part of your operations.
4. Support Environmental Sustainability
Beyond security, professional shredding services contribute to sustainability by recycling shredded paper.
This reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources and helps businesses meet their environmental goals.
Many shredding providers partner with recycling companies, ensuring that shredded paper is responsibly processed and reused. For instance, recycling one tonne of paper can save approximately 17 trees and more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
Learn why recycling matters and how it can benefit your business!
5. Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft
Identity theft is a significant and growing concern in the UK, with substantial financial and personal repercussions.
In the first half of 2024, over 127,000 cases of identity fraud were reported, marking a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This rise is largely driven by increases in impersonation fraud related to mobile phones, personal store cards, and current accounts.
Source: Cifas, H1 2024
This surge underscores the critical importance of safeguarding personal information.
Improperly discarded documents can be a goldmine for identity thieves. Even seemingly harmless paperwork, like invoices or old contracts, can contain information that fraudsters can exploit. Professional shredding ensures that all confidential materials are completely destroyed, eliminating the risk of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands. The process is designed to leave no trace, protecting both your business and your clients.
By adopting secure document destruction practices, you can protect your business and clients from the serious consequences of identity theft.
6. Cost Benefits
While it may seem cost-effective to manage shredding in-house, the reality is different.
In-house shredding requires purchasing equipment, paying for maintenance and dedicating staff time to operate shredders, all of which add up.
Professional shredding eliminates these hidden costs and ensures the job is done efficiently. By outsourcing, you also reduce the risk of costly penalties from non-compliance or data breaches. Flexible options, such as one off shredding services, allow you to pay for only what you need, saving money in the long term.
7. Custom Services for Your Needs
Every business handles confidential information differently, which is why one-size-fits-all shredding solutions rarely work.
Professional shredding services offer customised options to suit your needs, whether it’s regular scheduled shredding, one-time purges, or specialised services like hard drive destruction. These solutions ensure you only pay for what you need while maintaining the highest level of security.
Why Choose Shred-it?
It’s simple, Shred-it brings over 35 years of expertise as a trusted professional shredding service, we proudly serve all regions, delivering secure shredding services right to your doorstep, with the reassurance of a national network.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us an Excellent rating on Trustpilot, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of our customers.
