What You Should Know Before Tossing Sensitive Paperwork
It’s a question almost everyone asks at some point: Can I just throw my old documents in the trash? Whether you’re cleaning out your home office, closing a business location, or organizing years of accumulated paperwork, it’s tempting to toss stacks of old files into the garbage. Unfortunately, doing so can put your personal identity, your customers’ information, and even your business at serious risk.
The short answer is no—most documents should never be thrown out without being properly destroyed first.
Many documents contain sensitive or confidential information that can be used for identity theft, fraud, or data breaches. Even papers that seem harmless at first glance may hold valuable details that criminals look for. A dumpster is one of the easiest places for someone to find personal or business data, especially when documents are discarded intact.
So what should be shredded, and what can safely go in the trash?
Let’s break it down.
Documents You Should Never Throw Away
Any document that contains personal, financial, medical, or business information should always be securely destroyed. This includes:
- Bank statements and canceled checks
- Credit card statements and receipts
- Tax returns and supporting documents
- Pay stubs and employment records
- Medical records and insurance forms
- Utility bills
- Loan documents and mortgage paperwork
- Invoices and contracts
- Customer lists and client files
- HR and employee records
- Legal documents
- Documents with Social Security numbers, account numbers, or signatures
For businesses, this is even more critical. Laws such as HIPAA, FACTA, GLB, and various state privacy regulations require proper disposal of sensitive information. Improper disposal can result in fines, lawsuits, and damage to your reputation.
For homeowners, identity theft is the biggest risk. Criminals can piece together your personal data from discarded paperwork and use it to open accounts, steal tax refunds, or commit fraud.
What Can Go in the Trash?
Generally, only documents that contain no personal or confidential information are safe to throw away. Examples include:
- Blank forms
- Junk mail without your name or address
- Product manuals
- Magazines and newspapers
- Advertising flyers
Even then, it’s smart to take a quick glance before tossing anything. One small detail, like a partial account number or address, can be enough to create problems.
Why Home Shredders Aren’t Always Enough
Many people rely on small office or home shredders, and while they can help, they have limitations:
- They jam easily
- They take a long time for large volumes
- They may not cut paper small enough to prevent reconstruction
- They aren’t designed for bulk cleanouts
When you’re dealing with boxes or years of accumulated documents, professional shredding is far safer and more efficient.
The Safe and Simple Solution: Professional Shredding
Professional shredding services provide a secure and convenient way to destroy documents properly. Instead of guessing what’s safe to throw away, you can shred everything that might contain sensitive information.
With on-site shredding services, your documents are destroyed right in front of you inside a secure mobile shredding truck. You can watch the process and know your information is being handled responsibly. The shredded paper is then recycled, protecting both your privacy and the environment.
For homeowners, professional shredding is perfect for:
- Annual cleanouts
- Estate cleanouts
- Moving or downsizing
- Organizing financial records
For businesses, it’s essential for:
- Ongoing compliance
- Office cleanouts
- Employee file disposal
- Closing locations
- Reducing liability
How Long Should You Keep Documents?
Another common question is how long documents should be retained before shredding. While this varies, general guidelines include:
- Tax returns: Keep 7 years
- Bank statements: 1–3 years
- Credit card statements: Until paid and verified
- Medical records: 5–7 years
- Business records: According to legal and industry requirements
Once they are no longer needed, they should be shredded—not trashed.
The Bottom Line
Throwing old documents in the garbage may seem convenient, but it creates unnecessary risk. Identity theft, legal exposure, and data breaches often begin with improperly discarded paperwork. The safer choice is always secure destruction.
Shredding ensures your personal and business information stays protected, your compliance obligations are met, and your peace of mind remains intact.
If you’re unsure whether something should be thrown away, the rule is simple: When in doubt, have it shredded. For more information call FileShred.
