The Houston Shredder

Benefits of Paper Recycling

There have been various debates about the uses of paper recycling and the affect of the same on the environment. These include both upstream reasons like the raw materials and their possession and the downstream methods like the disposal of wastes and their impacts. But the process of paper recycling does help to reduce this impact.

Since 90% of the paper made today is made from wood it does have its impact on the environment. The production of paper is also one of the major reasons for the felling of the trees. It is also a contributor to the worlds economic output. The process of recycling of the news prints helps to save about 1 ton of wood through recycling. The use of printing or copier paper for recycling saved about 2 tons of wood. This happens because the process of Kraft pulping requires about twice the amount of wood. This removes the lignin which produces better quality fibers as compared to the process of mechanical pulping. The process of relating tons of papers recycled to the felling trees are not meaningless. The size of the trees also varies tremendously and is also the major factor for determining the amount of paper which can be made from a specified number of trees. There are trees which are specifically raised for their pulp production. Most of the pulp production operators ensure reforestation for continuous supply of trees.

The consumption of energy is reduced is also reduced through paper recycling. The pulp mills produce mechanical energy which is used in large amounts. But there are arguments on the same because the consumption of more electricity is the burning of fossil fuels. The recycling of paper also helps in landfill use. The amount taken for all organic material to be disposed on grounds would be huge but through recycling paper a lot of land space can be saved. Recycling paper also helps in reducing the amount of water and air pollution. The recycling of paper reduces the demand for virgin paper, which helps in reduction of felling of trees.

Hence the options for recycling paper helps in the overall reduction of falling of trees, helps the environment in various other ways and also reduces the risks of various other issues of the environment. Every bit of paper that is given for recycling can help in protecting the environment and conserving it also.

Wet Paper Shredding

Hurricane Ike did a significant amount of damage to Greater Houston and the surrounding areas.  If you suffered water damage, and have documents you need destroyed, our equipment is able to handle it.  Please call our office and we will get you on the schedule.  We highly suggest to do this as soon as possible before black mold and smell has a chance to set in.

Identity thefts can be avoided through shredding in Houston

 The amount of identity thefts has been on the rise over the past few years. Identity thefts refer to the thefts where the private documents of an individual, such as credit card numbers, social security number or any other personal documents, are used by thieves for committing crimes. Identity thefts are committed for various purposes. The main purposes of these thefts are financial. By using the credit card details or other similar details or information of someone else, various products can be bought. Since the credit card number of the owner is being used, he or she is liable for paying the same. There is also another kind of identity theft where the crime is committed using the name or confidential documents of an individual. In these cases the person whose identity has been used is blamed for the crime and can be accused for the same.

There are different ways of committing identity thefts. These include stealing of credit cards, hacking Internet accounts or computers and other similar options. But one of the easiest ways of committing these crimes is through picking up the details of the important documents through the garbage. Even though the idea of going through the garbage may seem repulsive to most, this is one of the easiest way of accessing the personal and confidential lives of users. Most of the documents disposed in the garbage are not shredded and hence it is very easy to join the pieces of your torn credit card details and access your account or misuse these numbers.

There are various ways through which disposal of garage can be done through shredding in Houston. There are numerous options through which Houston shredding machines can be availed. Different types of shredding machines are available these days. There are some shredders which are used in homes while others are for official purposes. The shredding of documents has become much easier today. The documents which are shredded are fine and thinly stripped or cross cut. Hence there are no chances of the same being misused even if they are put together. Shredding in Houston can be done by buying one of these paper shredders. They come in various sizes and styles and suit the different requirements of users. The ones for offices are usually bigger in size and shape. Hence no matter where you dispose your documents, they should always be shredded.

Document Shredding and its importance

 The shredding of documents through the use of paper shredders has become a popular trend these days. There are various reasons for shredding of documents instead of disposing them the regular way.

One of the biggest threats posed by the improper disposal of confidential documents is misuse of the same. There has been a rapid increase in identity thefts. These thefts work on the basis of using the identity of another person, for committing various kinds of crimes. These crimes are mainly done for financial benefits. For example, if the credit card statement has been disposed without shredding or tearing the same, then the number of the credit card can be easily accessible to the thieves. Here, they can use the credit card number for their own benefits and purchase various products and charge it to the credit card owner. Often these crimes are not recognized until it is too late and thus the credit card owners have to pay the price for the same.

Another common identity theft crime is using the identity of another person for committing crimes in their names. These can be the work of serious master minds and the person whose social security number or any other related document has been used, can get into serious trouble. Hence it is always advised that document shredding is the best way of disposing all private and confidential information.

There are various other benefits of the process of document shredding. No traces of previous records are found. Hence the chances of getting into trouble due to any such matters can also be avoided. Document shredding is one of the easiest and the most suggested way of disposing documents. Since multiple documents are being shredded at the same time a lot of time is saved. The process of shredding also ensures that the documents are shredded so finely that no content on them is visible to others. This totally eliminates the risk of misuse of these documents. Also the tearing of documents takes a much longer time and does not give you such fine results. Hence it is always good to use document shredding devices rather than doing it from hand.

The document shredding process should not be restricted to offices but should also be used at home. Both places need the proper methods of document shredding because misuse of the same can happen everywhere. This is the best way to avoid identity thefts.

Paper Shredding for Homes

Paper shredding for homes

Even though the use of the paper shredders had been mainly for office, there has been a change in the use of these shredders. Paper shredding has also begun at home due to the various benefits that it offers.

One of the main reasons for the use of these paper shredders at home, are due to identity thefts. There is a growing concern over the seriousness of this crime and also the alarming rate at which it has increased. Due to this a number of people are opting for paper shredding at home, for all their important documents. All documents which contain vital information or sensitive information should be destroyed through paper shredders. These include the documents which contain your social security numbers, bank details, credit card statements and other similar confidential documents.

Paper shredding ensures that these documents are not misused in any way. Regular disposal of these documents increases the chances of these documents falling into wrong hands. With the growing popularity of paper shredding more people are also becoming aware of their correct and safe uses at homes and in offices also.

Paper shredding is done through a motorized machine which helps in cutting paper into thin strips. There are different types of paper shredding machines which are available today. There are some which are particularly designed for offices while the others are designed for homes. There are different ways in which paper can be cut like strips or cross cuts. It does not matter what kind of blades your paper shredder has, because they all are very sharp to destroy the traces of confidential information from the documents fed into it.

There are different kinds of documents which are put for paper shredding. These include credit information and other pay stubs also. The lightweight paper shredder is ideal for homes because the amounts of documents being shredded are less. It should always be remembered that any document which is too thick for the blade of these paper shredders should not be put into the same. These include staples and paper clips which can actually spoil the paper shredder. The machine should be given regular maintenance and oiling so that it can work for a longer period.

The paper shredders for homes are more compact in size and also take lesser space. But it is useful and it is always recommended to dispose all documents through paper shredding.

Paper Shredding Machines

Paper shredding machines are not only a part of offices, but homes as well. There are different kinds of paper shredding machines which are available today, but they all serve the same purpose. The main purpose of  paper shredding is to avoid any confidential information or content being passed over to the wrong hands. Both offices and homes have different kind of private and confidential documents. Usually these would be disposed through the regular means of garbage. But now with  paper shredding gaining popularity, these documents are now disposed after being shredded. This ensures that all the documents which are put in the shredder come out in thin strips or cross cuts, which cannot be recognized by anyone. This restricts the passage of any information to unwanted people and other miscreants.

The paper shredder is a motorized machine that helps in reducing documents and papers to strips. There are different kinds of shredders which are available in different companies. For example, the shredder which is used at home is much smaller in size and shape as compared to the shredder which is found in the offices. There are also shredders which shred the paper in different kinds of shapes, like cross cut shredders and the strip cut shredders. Both have sharp blades and help in destroying confidential papers.

To ensure the longevity of the paper shredders, it is vital that the right method be followed while using them. Hence it is suggested that offices should have a separate person to operate these shredders or put up the instructions for using the same, near the shredder. Often people also dispose clips and staples in these shredders which can lead to the shredder getting spoiled. Also, regular maintenance and oiling of the shredder is necessary, as this helps in increasing the life span of these machines and they should also be cleaned regularly. 

There are various safety features which should be implemented during the use of these shredders. The first is that children should be kept away from the same. Those who use these shredders should not repair the same while keeping the switch on. The blades are sharp and can cut fingers if they start operating suddenly. Also the things which should not be put in the shredder should be strictly mentioned in the instructions. While putting any documents in the shredder caution should be exercised. So its important while paper shredding, hair, clothes and jewelry should be checked, so that they don’t get stuck in the shredder.

Paper Shredding and the Texas AG

If businesses haven’t got the word, they need to pay attention.  The Texas AG is very serious about protecting Texans from Identity theft.  If you don’t have an active paper shredding policy, you are at risk….in many ways.   Last week the Texas Attorney General’s Office issued new charges and announced a settlement agreement with EZCORP.

Austin based EZCORP, a payday and pawn lending company, has reached a settlement with the Texas Attorney’s General office in which it will pay the state a sum of $600,000.00.  Now you may ask yourself, what would warrant a $600,000.00 settlement?  Failure to do proper paper shredding!  That’s right, EZCORP had improperly discarded customer records in the back dumpster.  Had this been in Houston, they could have called a Houston shredding company, it would have taken about a half hour and cost them less than a hundred dollars.

Paper Shredding can Prevent Corporate Espionage and Business Identity Theft

Corporate espionage is more widespread than you might think and it doesn’t just effect the big companies but small companies and workers. In 2005, 220 shipments of counterfeit materials were seized by border control agents. This is the equivalent to 4.8 million dollars of merchandise sold retail and a loss of more than 200 million dollars to US businesses. Internationally, it translates approximately to the monetary equivalent of 750,000 jobs[1] annually.

There are many ways in which company secrets can be stolen. High-tech listening and photo devices can be used from 2000 feet away. Computers can be hacked into and email intercepted and corporate spies often try and infiltrate the company from within. According to an article in Businessweek (Joseph Pisani,October 2, 2006), corporations spend $95 billion on corporate security but the bulk of funding is focused on surveillance. Companies often overlook simple cost effective measures such as paper shredding.

Paper shredders are inexpensive security measures and prevent people from rummaging through the trash for valuable secrets and communications. The trash is the easiest place to access undetected for a stranger to the company it is also the least secured place, often not even having a surveillance camera. As a matter of fact, this method has long been successfully used by non-profits and investigative journalists. Trash is free game and it is surprising what companies throw away. Bev Harris, organizer of the nonprofit Black Box Voting, regularly used “dumpster diving” to find countless voting records that the government didn’t want in the public view. Investigative reporters have found billing mistakes, damning memos, and financial records to bring down companies.

In addition, employee records can be found by identity thieves and the information used to open accounts. This is particularly easy to do once the employer is known. Not only will this bring financial hardships to the employee but lawsuits can become costly. According to Reuters  News Wire (January 10, 2008) Sears, Roebuck, and Co. is but the latest in a stream of lawsuits being filed over Identity Theft. There is a $5 million class action lawsuit over there management of information and that amount is likely to grow as the suit builds.

Small business identity theft is also an increasing problem. According to an article in Businessweek (July 23, 2007), “Some studies say there were as many as 8.9 million individual victims of business identity theft nationwide last year, and estimated annual losses approach $50 billion”. Imagine all of your business credit accounts maxed out after all the work you have put in to building your businesses’ good name. Now realize that a simple paper shredder and shredding policy can be an important step in stopping this from happening. Whether you use a  Houston shredding company or buy your own shredder, Be Smart! Don’t throw your reputation out with the trash without protection.

Paper Shredding to continue….

The Woodlands, TX – The Farmer’s Market is on hiatus until the Fall, but the paper shredding will continue.  Due to the overwhelming requests from the community, On-Site Shred will have their truck at Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center this Saturday from 9 am until Noon.  On-Site Shred is a Woodland’s based company and provides secure document destruction on-site.  Your confidential information will be destroyed while you watch via video monitor.  Residents and businesses are asked to remove any plastic or three-ring binders.  Their shredder is able to shred right through paper clips, binder clips, and fasteners, so there is no need to remove those items.   There is no limit to the amount of boxes people or companies can bring.  Regular size file boxes are destroyed for $7.00 per box, and large file boxes are destroyed for $10.00 per box.  After this Saturday, their truck might be moving to different Villages, so they ask that you please call their office at 281-292-2280 for information on their location or visit their website at http://www.shreddinghouston.net 

Advantages to outsourcing your paper shredding

Why would I pay someone to do paper shredding when I can do it right here in-house?  I hear this question a lot.  And the answer is pretty simple.  Why?  Because it will save you money.

The Attorney General has made it pretty clear that he is serious about protecting Texans from Identity theft.  Businesses found in violation of the strict new identity theft laws will find themselves not only getting beat up in the press, but writing a substantial check to the state and preparing for civil lawsuits.  Using a professional paper shredding service that provides a certificate of destruction allows that company an audit trail and shows compliance with the new laws. 

Another reason is time.   When you are paying a person six figures you sure as heck don’t want that person spending their time at the shredding machine trying to figure out how to unjam it.  You can delegate the shredding duties to a low level employee, but do you really want that person to have access to the company’s most sensitive information?  I think not.  And what’s worse, as you can read in the press, a lot of times that employee decides it would be much easier to just dump them in the back dumpster.

Stay tuned for part II on the advantages to outsourcing your paper shredding.