Choosing the Right Shredder: Here's Your How-To Guide

by Smart Shred Protecting your Documents is Serious Business

Choosing the right shredder is an important decision that can help you protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. But with several types of shredders available in the market, it can take time to determine which is best for your needs. In this guide, we'll help you explore the different types of shredders, their features, and their benefits to help you make informed choices.

Benefits of Having an On-Site Shredder

Shredding your confidential waste has a lot of benefits to offer. Here we list a few crucial ones, so you know why exactly you should be shredding your documents rather than tossing them in the trash:

Office shredders help prevent identity theft and fraud by destroying sensitive documents.
Shredders help you stay compliant with your information protection obligations.
They are convenient for disposing of sensitive documents without manually tearing them up or tossing them in the garbage.
DIY shredders are also cost-effective as you have in-house equipment that prevents the costs associated with theft and fraud.
In addition, shredded paper can be recycled, making shredders an environmentally-friendly option.

Types of Shredders

When buying a shredder, it's important to understand the various types available in the market. This decision influences the level of safety, costs, and other essential elements of the process. So, usually, there are the following kinds of shredders you can purchase:

Strip-Cut Shredders

This is the most basic type of shredder, which cuts paper into long strips. While these shredders are less expensive, they offer the least security as the strips can be reassembled. They are ideal for shredding non-sensitive documents such as junk mail.

Cross-Cut Shredders

Cross-cut shredders cut paper in both directions, creating small particles. These offer a considerably higher level of security and are suitable for shredding confidential documents.

Micro-Cut Shredders

Micro-cut shredders offer the highest level of security by cutting documents into tiny particles. They are ideal for shredding highly sensitive papers, such as financial or legal records. Professional shredding service providers also use these.

Features to Consider

Shredders are a great invention to keep confidential information from landing in the wrong hands and keep your space clutter-free. But not all machines are created equal. So, make sure you consider these features to get the best shredder for your needs:

Factor in the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. If you have enormous volumes of documents to shred, choose a shredder with a higher sheet capacity.
Consider the run time of the shredder, i.e., the amount of time a shredder can operate before it needs to cool down. If you have a lot of documents to shred, choose a shredder with a longer run time.
The security level of a shredder determines the size of the particles it creates. A higher security level means smaller particles and greater security.
Next is the bin capacity, i.e., how much waste a particular shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. So, get a shredder with reasonable container capacity if you have a lot of documents to shred.
Lastly, get yourself a shredder with a lower noise level. Some shredders are noisier than you can even imagine. Ensure the one you invest in doesn't bother the workforce with its blaring noise.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, choosing a suitable shredder is crucial. So, consider your specific needs, such as the amount of documents you need to shred and the level of security you require to get the best deal and keep your confidential information safe.

Try Professional Services

Although office shredders are convenient and budget-friendly, they can be time-consuming, a little unsafe, and expensive down the road. On the other hand, professional services may be more flexible and reasonable.

Look up "mobile shredding service near me" to get started right at your comfort. It will only save you from all the hassle of shredding all by yourself and improper discarding.

Experts know the ins and outs of the industry; hence you can trust their expertise and navigate the process with absolute ease. Schedule a service right now and see how they can help you make a difference.