FAQ's

What Areas Do You Serve With Your Shredding Services?

Shred Instead provides shredding services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC, and Virginia.

Do You Offer Both On-Site and Off-Site Shredding Options?

Yes, we offer both on-site and off-site shredding options based on your preferences and requirements.

How Often Can We Schedule Shredding Services?

You can schedule shredding services as frequently as needed, whether it’s a one-time service or on a recurring basis.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Documents Required for Shredding?

There’s no minimum requirement; we can accommodate shredding jobs of any size, from small batches to large volumes.

What Types of Documents Can Be Shredded?

We can shred various types of documents, including paper records, confidential files, financial documents, CDs, hard drives, and more.

Do You Provide Containers for Collecting Documents Before Shredding?

Yes, we offer secure containers for collecting documents before shredding, ensuring safe storage and transportation.

How Do You Ensure the Security of Our Documents During the Shredding Process?

We prioritize security throughout the shredding process, with strict protocols, trained personnel, and secure handling procedures.

Are Your Shredding Services Compliant With Privacy Regulations Such as HIPAA and Facta?

Yes, our shredding services are fully compliant with privacy regulations like HIPAA and FACTA, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your information.

What Is the Typical Timeframe for Receiving a Quote?

You can expect to receive an estimate within 5 minutes. Simply complete our Quote Form, and one of our trained Customer Service Representatives will reach out to you promptly with further details. Alternatively, feel free to give us a call!

How Long Does It Usually Take for One-Time Shredding Services to Be Arranged?

Our certified technicians can typically arrange to be available within 2-3 days of your inquiry.

Do You Provide Off-Site Document Destruction Services?

Yes, while we prefer to conduct shredding in your presence through our hands-free shredding process, we understand that certain circumstances or constraints may necessitate off-site shredding. In such cases, we offer secure transportation of your materials to our warehouse for Certified Shredding Services.

Do I Need to Prepare My Documents Before Destruction?

While we ask that you remove documents from three-ring binders or plastic covers, you can leave staples, binder and paper clips, wiring, and other metal materials intact.

What Happens to the Documents After They’re Destroyed?

All materials collected by Shred Instead are 100% recycled.

Is Scheduled Office Route Service Mandatory?

It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. We offer flexible daily, monthly, weekly, and bi-weekly service schedules tailored to your needs. Most clients appreciate the added security and peace of mind knowing their documents are securely destroyed.

Since We Have a Paper Shredder, Why Should We Outsource Shredding?

Office shredders can be time-consuming and prone to malfunctions, requiring maintenance and repair. Outsourcing to Shred Instead saves time and avoids the need for costly equipment and repairs, ensuring more efficient operations for your business.

Can Customers Observe the Document Destruction Process?

Absolutely! Our shredding trucks are equipped with on-site monitoring via cameras in the shredding and collection compartments, allowing customers to witness the destruction process firsthand.

Do You Provide a Certificate of Destruction?

Absolutely, our Certified Customer Service Technician will furnish you with a Certificate of Destruction during the service.

What Compliance Standards Do You Follow?

Shred Instead holds AAA Certification from the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) and strictly adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry guidelines.

Why Is It Important for My Company to Shred Documents?

Ensuring the security of confidential customer and employee information is not just a legal obligation but also crucial for safeguarding your business’s reputation. Properly disposing of sensitive documents reduces the risk of data breaches, limits liability in legal proceedings, and protects proprietary information from competitors.