Onsite vs Offsite Shredding

In today’s word of protecting the environment and the rise of identity fraud, it’s never been more important to consider the benefits of shredding. But what are your options?

Here, we’ll explore what is meant by offsite and onsite shredding, as well as how it could benefit your home or business.

What is shredding?

Shredding is when a device is used to cut paper into small, thin strips. Easier to dispose of for recycling purposes and an efficient way to clear a place of paper clutter, shredding is used by a huge range of companies, homes and organisations.

Not only can shredding minimize mess and boost recycling rates, but it is also a powerful method for preventing identity theft and safeguarding sensitive information.

The onsite and offsite shedding process

Keen to know how shredding works? Although both involve the disposal of documents, there are some differences between onsite and offsite shredding.

Essentially, onsite shredding is when a shedding vehicle visits your business premises and shreds the documentation you provide there and then. Alternatively, offsite shredding refers to the process of a vehicle collecting these documents and taking it from your premises to another for shredding.

Onsite shredding procedure

1. A secure vehicle visits your workplace premises.
2. The shredding operative gathers your documents and transports them straight to the vehicle (under supervision by you or another member of your staff).
3. The operative weighs what you’ve asked to be shredded before putting the documents into a shredder.
4. Finally, the shredded items are collected at the rear of the vehicle and driven to a recycling plant by the end of each day.

Onsite shredding procedure

1. Firstly, you’d request receptacles from your chosen offsite shredding service provider to place around your office.
2. You’ll then arrange a regular service for collection (e.g. weekly, every four weeks or ad hoc).
3. On the specified day, your shredding receptacles are sealed and secured before being driven back to the shredding service provider’s premises.
4. Once there, the receptacle is opened and put directly into a shredder.
5. Afterwards, the shredded materials are taken for recycling.

Now you know the general process of both types of shredding, it’s important to know which service is best for your business.

What to consider before choosing onsite or offsite shredding

Shredding is a vital process if you want your company to protect your employees’ information, maintain a professional and neat workplace, and help protect the environment. Here’s what you should bear in mind before selecting a service:

Onsite shredding

• Good for smaller jobs on an ad-hoc basis.
• Often costlier than offsite shredding.
• Fewer people come into contact with your sensitive or confidential documents.
• Takes place onsite so you can keep an eye on what it being shredded.

Offsite shredding

• Process features more handling by more people.
• Involves transportation.
• Perfect for shredding very big amounts.
• Documents taken a secure environment for disposal.
• Usually cheaper than onsite shredding.

Clearly, both onsite and offsite shredding have advantages. So, it’s down to you to decide which process suits your company best.