Why a Recycling Bin Isn’t Enough

Why Recycling Bins Are Bad for Data Security

While recycling bins are a convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents, they are actually one of the worst places to put them. That's because once these documents are placed in the bin, they are no longer under your control. Instead, they become the property of the recycling center, where they can be easily accessed by anyone with a key or code. Furthermore, most recycling centers do not have adequate security measures in place to protect your data. As a result, it is very easy for identity thieves and other criminals to obtain sensitive information from recycling bins.

At Proshred®, we want to ensure that every business takes the necessary steps to protect its confidential documents. That's why we're here to explain why recycling bins are bad for your data security and share better ways to protect your company's information.

How Paper Recycling Works

Paper recycling is a process that involves converting wastepaper into new paper products. There are two main types of paper recycling: mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling, also known as pulping, involves breaking down the paper into small fibers that can be used to create new paper products. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, involves breaking down the paper into its component chemicals, which can then be used to create new paper products.

Both processes have their benefits and drawbacks, but overall, paper recycling is an important way to reduce waste and conserve resources. However, recycling your company's important documents puts your sensitive information into the hands of strangers, which could easily lead to a data breach.

Consequences of a Data Breach

There are several consequences that can result from a data breach, many of which can be devastating to your business. First and foremost, a data breach can lead to the loss of customer trust. If your customers feel that their personal information is not safe with your company, they will likely take their business elsewhere. In addition, a data breach can result in significant financial losses. The cost of investigating and resolving a data breach can be very expensive, and you may also be liable for any damages incurred by your customers as a result of the breach. Finally, a data breach can damage your company's reputation and make it difficult to attract new customers.

Data breaches often occur because businesses do not have adequate security measures in place to protect their data. One of the most common security lapses is the use of recycling bins to dispose of sensitive documents. As we mentioned earlier, once documents are placed in a recycling bin, they are no longer under your control. This means that anyone who has access to the bin can easily take your confidential information.

How to Prevent a Data Breach

There are several steps that you can take to prevent a data breach from occurring. First, you should develop a comprehensive security plan that includes measures for protecting your data. This plan should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that it is effective. Next, you should always store your confidential documents in secure locations that can only be accessed by trusted employees. This will make it much more difficult for criminals to access your information.

Finally, you should shred all sensitive documents instead of placing them in a recycling bin. Professional shredding companies can securely shred your documents beyond recognition and often recycle the shredded pieces of paper. This means you can protect your company and the environment at the same time.

Recycling Bins vs. Shredding Bins

At Proshred®, we provide secure shredding bins to all of our clients that sign up for our ongoing mobile document shredding service. These shredding bins are made of sturdy materials and feature a locked lid to ensure nobody can access your old documents once they're placed inside.

On the day of your scheduled shredding visit, one of our technicians will come to your location, unlock your shredding bin, and immediately shred the documents with our secure shredding trucks. This process ensures that nobody can steal your important documents. Compared to recycling bins, our shredding bins are more secure, make shredding events easier, and give you additional peace of mind.

Keep Your Recycled Documents Private with Shredding Services From Proshred®

Instead of throwing your documents in a recycling bin, hire a professional shredding company like Proshred® to protect your company's sensitive information. We offer both ongoing and one-time bulk paper shredding services that can be customized to fit your specific needs. We also provide secure shredding bins to all of our clients at no additional cost, so you have a convenient way to store your unneeded documents between services. Contact us today to learn more about our shredding services or to schedule a free consultation.