What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Between On-Site & Off-Site Shredding?

Shredding documents is a popular way to get rid of documents safely and securely, and there are multiple ways to do it. You can take your documents to a location away from your residence or place of business, but there are plenty of companies that will bring the process to you. There are a number of factors to consider when weighing both option, from level of security to level of convenience, and more.

The type of documents being shredded also play a role in the process, particularly if security is one of the main concerns. Understanding the differences between on-site shredding and off-site shredding can help you make a more informed decision when figuring out which process is for you.

Convenience & Security



If these are two of your primary concerns, then on-site shredding might be your best option. On-site offers a higher level of convenience since the shredding is carried out and completed right on your premises. This means the shredding company comes to you and destroys the documents without you having to bring them anywhere – saving time especially if there are a large number of documents that need to be disposed of.

On-site shredding is also better from a security standpoint. There is much less risk of sensitive information being compromised during transportation if the destruction of those documents is done on site. Many shredding companies still take precautions to ensure secure handling and transportation when the shredding is done off-site, but on-site can offer a little more peace of mind. This also allows you to witness the shredding of the documents if you desire.

Volume of Documents

Off-site shredding is more suitable for larger volumes of documents because off-site facilities are typically more equipped to handle the demands of bulk shredding. On-site shredding is typically done with a mobile shredding truck or by bringing shredding equipment to the premises. The shredding of large volumes of documents can be performed on site, but it might take more time to complete.

If you need a large volume of documents shredded quickly, it’s a good idea to check with the shredding company. On-site can offer immediate or schedule shredding, meaning faster turnaround times. However, off-site shredding can be scheduled as well, with a secure pickup slated within your schedule. Again, the amount of documents might impact whether or not the company can perform the task on-site, so communicate the particulars of the job with the company to know the best option.

Following Compliance

Any trusted document shredding company is going to work within the lines of your particular data protection regulations. This is especially important if you need to witness the destruction process. The convenience of on-site shredding can help with most of these issues. Communicating your standards will ensure that the documents are shredded properly, whether it’s on-site or off-site.

Reputable shredding companies will stick to strict compliance standards – and many companies install their own guidelines that they follow for any client. Safety and security should be the main concern for all document shredding companies, and understanding their practices will also help. For more information on the benefits of on-site and off-site shredding, talk to the experts at Shred Monster today.