Are there any other fees besides the quoted fee for service?

No, at Southland Shredding we do not believe in charging any add-on fees like fuel surcharges, container-lease fees, or out-of-service fees. The price you are quoted is the price you will pay.

Can we pick any day for service that we want?

No, we arrange our routes to be done as economically as possible, which means we service certain areas on certain days. Our Zip Code Locator will tell you what day we service your area.

What do you mean by 'standard file-size box,' and does our material have to be in boxes?

A standard file-size box measures 12″ x 16″ x 12″, similar to a copy paper box. No, your material does not have to be in boxes. It may be gathered in bags, boxes, plastic containers, laid out on tables, or it may still be in file cabinets.

Do you make appointments?

No, we schedule jobs for certain days in certain cities according to our routes, and we will give you a two-hour window of time so you are not waiting for us all day. With traffic the way it is, we may run ahead or behind; but we will certainly try our best to be within two hours of the scheduled time.

Do you have a minimum charge?

$100 for up to fourteen (14) boxes or two 64-gallon containers worth of material. A job this size will take no more than fifteen minutes of your time. If you have recently done any shredding with a personal shredder, you realize what a deal this is.

Is it ok to leave on fasteners?

Yes, our machinery will tear up all fasteners so there is no need to remove them. During the recycle process, all metal is removed through magnetization and screening.

Are there materials you don't shred?

We don’t shred X-rays or plastic media on-site; but all this material can be shredded off-site.

Why don't you take the cardboard boxes?

Although cardboard is recyclable, the fiber content is different than that of paper; therefore, these materials cannot be mixed and remain recyclable. So, unfortunately, we cannot shred your cardboard box as we do recycle all paper. Mobile shred trucks are not built with storage capacity; thus, we are not able to haul off boxes.

Are you NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) certified?

Yes we are NAID AAA Certified for both on-site and drop off document destruction.

Why do you not publish a price list?

There are too many variables that may affect the price for any given job. Your location and quantity of material are factors in determining our fee. Speak to one of our customer service representatives for pricing information. A relatively accurate box count is required for all quotes.

Do your personnel physically touch our material to be shredded?

No, but they are constantly viewing the material to be sure there are no contaminants going into the shredder. We have found corporate stamps, staplers, pens, and other items that do not need to be shredded and will remove them before they go into the shredder.

Shredding Blog

Balancing Privacy Regulations And Document Retention Guidelines With Purge Shredding

Safeguarding sensitive information is a top priority for businesses and individuals alike. However, balancing compliance with privacy regulations and adhering to document retention guidelines can be challenging. In fact, 60% of companies report data breaches caused by improper document disposal, while 80% of organizations struggle to comply with privacy laws. One effective solution to this dilemma is purge shredding, a service that ensures secure and efficient disposal of outdated documents.

The Importance Of Document Retention And Privacy

Privacy regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and FACTA, enforce stringent rules on how organizations manage sensitive information. These laws are designed to protect personal and confidential data from unauthorized access and breaches. On the other hand, document retention guidelines outline how long specific types of records must be maintained before they can be discarded.

For example:

Financial records, such as tax filings and expense reports, may need to be kept for up to 7 years to comply with government regulations and prepare for potential audits.
Employee records, including contracts, performance evaluations, and payroll information, often require retention for the duration of employment plus an additional few years. This ensures compliance with labor laws and allows for reference in case of future disputes or claims.
Client contracts, which might include service agreements or project deliverables, typically have specific retention timeframes based on legal obligations or industry standards. These timeframes ensure that all parties are protected in the event of a legal question or renegotiation.

Balancing these requirements means understanding which documents to retain and for how long and knowing when it’s safe and necessary to dispose of them securely.

Why Purge Shredding Is the Ideal Solution

Purge shredding services, like those offered by Southland Shredding, provide a streamlined way to securely dispose of documents that have reached the end of their retention lifecycle. Whether you’re clearing out a one-time backlog of files or conducting routine cleanouts, purge shredding ensures:

Compliance with Privacy Regulations
By thoroughly shredding documents, businesses can ensure that sensitive information, such as client details, financial records, or proprietary data, is securely destroyed. This prevents unauthorized access or identity theft and helps organizations comply with data protection laws and industry regulations. This extra step demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding privacy and maintaining trust with clients and stakeholders.
Protection Against Identity Theft
Paper documents, such as tax forms, bank statements, or medical records, are a goldmine for identity thieves. Purge shredding eliminates the risk by destroying these documents beyond recovery.
Environmental Responsibility
Many purge shredding providers, including Southland Shredding, prioritize sustainability by recycling shredded materials, helping reduce environmental impact.
Convenience and Efficiency
Whether a small office or a large corporation, purge shredding can quickly and securely handle bulk shredding needs. Mobile shredding trucks even allow shredding onsite for added peace of mind.

How Southland Shredding Can Help

Southland Shredding specializes in document shredding services in California that are tailored to meet your unique needs. Their purge shredding services are designed to:

Provide secure and compliant disposal of confidential documents.
Offer flexible scheduling for businesses of all sizes.
Ensure reliable and environmentally friendly practices.

By partnering with Southland Shredding, you can access a trusted shredding provider that understands the delicate balance between compliance and efficiency.

Best Practices For Managing Document Retention

To maintain compliance and streamline your document management process, consider the following tips:

Create a Retention Schedule: Identify categories of documents and determine how long each needs to be retained.
Schedule Regular Shredding: Regularly review and clean out outdated documents to reduce clutter, improve organization, and maintain efficient workflows. This practice also helps ensure compliance with regulations and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary files that can slow down your system.
Train Your Team: Educate employees on the importance of privacy regulations, how they protect sensitive information, and why compliance is crucial for both the organization and its clients. Additionally, provide clear guidance on proper disposal methods for confidential documents and digital data to ensure security and prevent potential breaches.

Conclusion

Balancing privacy regulations with document retention guidelines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With purge shredding services from Southland Shredding, you can securely dispose of outdated documents while staying compliant and protecting sensitive information.

Take the first step in safeguarding your data and maintaining compliance. Contact Southland Shredding today to learn more about their reliable document shredding services.

Southland Shredding is NAID AAA Certified

i-SIGMA is the standards-setting body for the information destruction industry. NAID AAA Certification verifies the qualifications of certified information destruction providers through a comprehensive scheduled and unannounced audit program.

Service is the Difference