Shredding vs. Recycling

Once records have passed their retention period and are ready to be destroyed there are two options for their destruction--shredding or recycling. How do you decide which one to choose?

Any documents containing confidential information must be shredded. These can include personnel records, student records (including graded class work) or medical records. There are also other records outside these broad categories that may include confidential information, such as social security numbers, as a part of the information within the record.

All other records should be recycled through the regular office recycling bins.

Please be thoughtful in disposing of records to reduce wear on shredding equipment.

And don't forget to complete a Records Destruction Certificate, regardless of the destruction method.

Published on September 25, 2013