Everything customers actually ask us, in one place. The short version: if it’s paper and it has information on it, shred it — staples and all. If it’s not paper, we still destroy it, just through a different process. Details below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Documents · Last updated July 7, 2026
What should go into the shredding containers?
Any paper carrying non-public information — private or proprietary. Private information includes HR and personnel files, customer lists and records, price lists, payroll records, patient charts, and legal files. Proprietary information includes financials, budgets, strategic and marketing plans, acquisition documents, patent and research data, bids and proposals, security and disaster-recovery plans, technical specifications, training material, and internal policies. When in doubt, put it in the container — shredding something harmless costs nothing; leaking something sensitive can cost plenty.
Do I need to remove staples, paper clips, or folders?
No. Staples, paper clips, rubber bands, small binder clips, and file folders of any color go straight into the shredder with the paper. All clean paper, any color, is fine.
What can't go into the shredding containers?
Containers are for paper only. Keep out: cardboard and books; food and general office waste, bottles, cans, inks, and paints; metals like license plates, large binder clips, binders, screws, and fasteners; plastics such as bags, packing material, and ID badges; and hazardous materials of any kind. Digital and photographic media — CDs, DVDs, USB drives, backup tapes, video tapes, driver’s licenses, microfiche, microfilm, and X-rays — also stay out; they’re destroyed separately (see the next question).
What about sensitive data on CDs, tapes, hard drives, or X-rays?
Electronic and film media must be destroyed by a different method than paper, so it’s collected and processed separately. Sort it apart from your paper and call (562) 426-0557 to arrange a specialty destruction collection — we handle hard drives, USB and flash drives, CDs, X-ray film, microfiche, microfilm, and cassette and VHS tapes.
Can someone retrieve a document after it goes into the container?
Not casually — that’s the point. Containers stay locked at all times and their contents are shredded on-site at collection. If something went in by mistake, contact your business representative to have the container unlocked before your next service date.
What if we need more containers or more frequent service?
Just ask. We can add containers, swap sizes, or tighten your pickup schedule — call (562) 426-0557 or mention it to your service team member at the next visit.
Do I get proof the material was destroyed?
Yes. Every job — one-time purge, recurring pickup, or specialty media — ends with a Certificate of Destruction for your compliance records.
Ready to Shred?
Book online in two minutes or call (562) 426-0557 — most jobs are scheduled within days, and every job ends with a Certificate of Destruction.