Whether you work for a school, a government agency or other place where confidential documents needs to be properly disposed, developing a system for secure removal and disposal is essential. Not only is this important in terms of maintaining the privacy of other people, but mishandling confidential information can lead to a lawsuit and a whole host of other problems for your business or organization. Therefore, it is essential to consider all of your options when developing a plan for disposing of sensitive documents.

Disposal by Shredding

Shredding is the most common method for disposing of sensitive documents. There are six levels of security for shredding:

• Security Level 1: For shredding of general internal documents – Strip-Cut of 3/8” or Cross-Cut between 3/8” x 1 1/2” and 3/8” x 3 1/8”
• Security Level 2: For shredding sensitive internal documents – Strip-Cut of 1/8” or 1/4”
• Security Level 3: For shredding confidential documents – Strip-Cut of 1/16” or Cross-Cut of 1/4″ x 1/8″
• Security Level 4: For shredding secret documents – Cross-Cut of 1/16” x 5/8”
• Security Level 5: For shredding of top secret documents that are DOD approved – Cross-Cut of 1/32” x 1/2″
• Security Level 6: For shredding of top secret documents that are NSA/CSS approved – Cross-Cut of 1mm x 5mm (approximately 1/26” x 1/5”)

While most office supply stores do not list shredders according to their security level, they do list the dimensions of the cut. It should also be noted that some government shredders that fall within the Securty Level 5-6 range are called disintegrators. These are very large machines that are also capable of destroying microfilm, hard drives, cell phones and other similar items.

Disposal by Burning

Other than shredding, it is possible to dispose of sensitive documents by burning. By burning documents, you eliminate the possibility of the documents being reconstructed. To security dispose of documents in this way, you should use a Burn Bag, which is simply a bag that is designated to get incinerated each day or whenever you otherwise schedule the disposal of the documents. Burn bags can also be used in conjunction with a shredder, with the documents shredded before they are incinerated. Not only does this help increase the security before the items are burned, but it also assists with the actual burning process.

Prior to shredding or incinerating your documents, you may need a safe place to store the items. At Securr, we offer a Document Control Cart Enclosure that is specifically designed to keep sensitive documents secure. This sturdy steel enclosure comes with a rolling poly cart inside that can be easily removed for transport of the contents. Fire can be contained inside the enclosure in order to meet indoor safety requirements, while the two-point locking mechanism further ensures security.

The Document Control Enclosure from Securr is available in 32 gallon, 65 gallon and 95 gallon varieties. Contact us today to learn more about your options for securely storing sensitive documents or for more information about how you can enjoy discounted prices by purchasing your items in bulk.