Not All Shredding Companies Are Created Equal

Closeup photo of a person's hand holding a pen and checking items off a list.When you purchased your first car, you probably conducted extensive research. You checked around, sought advice, and ensured that you were getting the best options to suit your driving needs. You wanted to get the most value for your money. Similarly, you likely performed thorough research when looking for your first new home. Did you create a pros and cons chart to compare different homes?

Some important purchases and services require diligent research and the creation of a list of needs and wants. If you are currently searching for a shredding company, we have compiled a checklist below to help you find the right one. You’ll discover that, just like cars and houses, not all shredding companies are created equal.

1. Is the shedding company NAID AAA Certified?

A NAID AAA Certified shredding service adheres to the highest standards and ethical compliance in data destruction, verified by an independent third party in surprise audits. If your chosen company is NAID AAA Certified, you can be confident of receiving excellent service.

2. Can the shredding company shred more than just paper?

You require secure shredding of your paper documents, but there are other items that may contain sensitive information or could harm your business’s reputation if they fall into the wrong hands. Some additional items that you may need a shredding company to destroy include:

  • Hard drives and media such as magnetic media, computer CPUs, laptops, smartphones, mobile devices, and USB drives
  • Branded products like clothing, uniforms, badges, access cards, and promotional materials

3. Will the shredding company provide service to more than just large corporations?

Small businesses account for 99.9% of all businesses in the US, and there is an ever-growing need for residential shredding. However, some shredding companies will not shred for small businesses, home businesses, or residential customers, so make sure the company is willing to serve you.

4. Are secure shredding collection containers provided?

Once documents are discarded, they need to be stored securely until they are picked up by your shredding company. Locked shredding collection containers are the ideal solution to ensure that discarded documents remain secure and safe at all times.

5. Can shredding be done on a one-time basis?

Regularly-scheduled shredding is a valuable service, but there are instances when businesses and residents require a one-time purge shredding service. Purge shredding can also be beneficial for organizations that have unpredictable shredding needs. Determine which option suits your needs or whether a combination is preferable, and make sure the company can accommodate your requirements.

6. Does the company provide a Certificate of Destruction after each project?

A Certificate of Destruction provides you with proof that your information was securely and properly destroyed. It is useful in case of an audit and also gives you peace of mind knowing you have protected the sensitive information your company was responsible for. Ask any prospective shredding company whether they will give you a Certificate of Destruction after each shredding service.

7. Will your shredded paper and electronics be properly recycled?

Environmental consciousness is crucial for everyone, businesses and individuals alike, and it is important to divert recyclable materials from landfills. For the best possible shredding solution, choose a company that recycles 100% of your shredded material.


At Richards & Richards, we understand that not all shredding companies are equal. As Nashville’s oldest NAID AAA Certified shredding company and most trusted name in information destruction, we offer a wide range of shredding services to meet your specific needs. For shredding service tailored to your requirements, call us at 615-242-9600 or complete the form on this page. Our friendly shredding experts are standing by!

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