Helpful Hints When Hiring a Professional Shredding Service 

paper shredding

When you are looking for a great document shredding service in Connecticut, it can be confusing if you have never hired or been using the same professional shredding company for many years, but you feel it is time for a change.  We have provided you with some general information about document shredding services in Connecticut (CT), factors you should consider, and question you can ask:

Reputation

Look for a service provider with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. You can check online review platforms or ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.

Great Customer Service

Make sure that it is easy to get someone on the phone to talk about what you need to be done and when.  Their representative should be delighted to help you and make the entire process very easy for you.

Pricing

Compare the pricing structures of different shredding services in CT. Ensure that the service you choose offers transparent and competitive pricing without any hidden fees.

Scheduling

Make sure the company will provide their service when you want it done, not only when they are available.

Security

Ensure that the shredding service has robust security measures in place to protect your sensitive information. They should offer secure shredding, and disposal processes, preferably following industry standards and regulations.

Compliance

Verify that the shredding service complies with relevant legal requirements, such as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) if you handle personal or sensitive data.

Certification

Look for shredding service providers that have appropriate certifications, such as the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) AAA certification. This certification ensures that the company follows strict standards for document destruction.

Customized Services:

Consider your specific needs. Some companies offer on-site shredding, where they bring a mobile shredding truck to your location, while others provide off-site shredding at their facility. Choose a service that aligns with your preferences and requirements.\

What Do They Do With The Shredded Paper:

Find out what happens to the shredded paper.  It should only be recycled to make other paper not for any other purpose.

Here Are Some Questions You Should Consider Asking

  1. What types of documents/materials do you shred?
  1. What is your process for handling confidential or sensitive information?
  1. What security measures do you have in place to protect the documents during the shredding process?
  1. Are your employee’s backgrounds checked and trained in handling confidential information?
  1. What type of shredding equipment do you use? Is it up to industry standards?
  1. Do you provide on-site shredding services, or do the documents need to be transported to your facility?
  1. Can you provide a certificate of destruction or proof of shredding for each batch of documents?
  1. Do you have any compliance certifications or accreditations related to document destruction (e.g., NAID AAA Certification)?
  1. What is the pricing structure for your services? Is it based on volume, weight, or other factors?
  1. Do you offer any additional services, such as electronic media destruction or recycling?
  1. How often can you schedule pick-ups or on-site shredding visits?
  1. What is your policy for handling any accidental or unforeseen damage during the shredding process?
  1. Can you accommodate any specific requirements or special instructions we may have?
  1. Do you provide containers or bins for us to collect the documents for shredding?
  1. How do you ensure the proper disposal and recycling of shredded materials?

Once you have identified a few potential shredding service providers, contact them, ask questions about their services, and request a quote. This will help you evaluate their responsiveness, professionalism, and suitability for your needs.

By

Jim Dowse CSDS