Guide to Shredders

Are there legal requirements regarding paper shredding?

Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA), the federal government requires that businesses destroy all documents containing consumer information in order to avoid unauthorized use of the information. To be in compliance with the law and to avoid penalties, you should use a paper shredder on all documents containing customer information.

I recommend: Get the facts about FACTA and how it applies to your business at PrivacyRights.org.

Go with office-grade or industrial shredders

Not all shredding machines are created equal. Small, personal paper shredders clog easily, so unless you're running a one- or two-person business, opt for an office-grade paper shredder. These models boast bigger motors that let you and employees shred more items for longer periods of time. For heavy-weight paper shredding needs, consider a heavy-duty industrial shredder. Crosscut paper shredders are especially effective.

I recommend: Get tips on choosing the right model from SecureShredders.com or a list of features, suppliers and buying tips at the eBay paper shredder buying guide.

Different materials, different shredding machines

The type of shredding machine you choose depends on the materials you need to shred. If you're only going to be shredding paper documents, a basic model will suffice. If you'll be shredding CDs, videocassettes or other materials, you'll need a specialty shredder designed for those materials. For the destruction of products, such as computer hardware and telephones, you'll need a product destruction shredder.

I recommend: Find data destroyers that shred CDs and key tapes at WhitakerBrothers.com and find a product destruction shredder at AlleghenyShredders.com.  Cross cut shredder models are also available.

Volume to be shredded

The volume of materials you'll be shredding also plays a part in your choice of shredding machine. If yours is a document-driven firm, select a paper shredder that can handle high volume, like an industrial shredder or high-end cross cut shredder. To prolong the life of your shredder, choose one that can handle a higher capacity than you actually anticipate.

I recommend: OfficeDepot.com lets you search their paper shredders by volume, including light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty options.

Paper shredder throat size varies

To find the right paper shredder, consider the width of the documents you'll be shredding. If you deal in bulky computer printouts, you'll need a paper shredder that has a large throat size - basically a wider opening. Most shredders have a throat size between eight and 12 inches, but they can go beyond 20 inches.

I recommend: For a listing of shredders by throat size, visit MySimon.com. 

Confidentiality concerns

Depending on the sensitivity of the materials you shred, you can choose a shredder that simply cuts paper into long ribbon-like strips, one a crosscut paper shredder that cuts both lengthwise and widthwise, or a model that cuts into more than 1,000 particles. Ribbon-cut strips are the easiest to piece together so if you're super-concerned about security, select a cross-cut model. Unless you're dealing in top-secret military contract work, you can get by with a cross-cut shredder.

I recommend: WhitakerBrothers.com offers a full range of shredding machines, including low-volume personal paper shredders, industrial shredders and high-security crosscut paper shredders.  Business.com lists suppliers of paper shredders and other paper processing machines, as well as other document finishing solutions.