What's the Difference Between On-site Shredding and Off-site Shredding?

Whether you have a small number of boxes of confidential documents to be shredded or a large amount filling a storage unit, there are benefits of on-site shredding and off-site shredding. There are differences between both shredding services to consider when reviewing your options. Understanding the distinctions between these services is essential. In this article, we will review some of the differences between On-site Shredding and Off-site Shredding to assist you in determining the most suitable option based on your needs and your budget.

On-Site Mobile Shredding

On-site Shredding Services, also referred to as Mobile or Curbside Shredding Service, is sometimes considered a premium option, but that can vary based on your volume. This option has numerous advantages. Opting for on-site shredding allows you to witness the shredding process firsthand. A mobile truck, equipped with an onboard shredder arrives at your designated location to conduct the shredding process on-site. Some trucks, such as our shred truck fleet at BWS, are equipped with a hard drive shredder. This type of service is ideal for scenarios requiring witnessed destruction of paper documents, hard drives, or mixed media like CDs and USB drives.

Upon arrival, the service technician wheels carts through your facility where the documents, hard drives, or other media to be shredded are situated. The technician then transfers your files and papers into the carts for easy transport back to the truck. It is important to note that any containers or boxes used to store the documents during on-site shredding are typically returned to the customer, as mobile shred trucks generally lack storage space for these items. Once the carts are wheeled out to the truck, the technician raises the cart into a hopper on the truck, where the contents are emptied for shredding. BWS mobile shred trucks are equipped with onboard cameras to oversee the process closely, allowing both the technician and the customer to monitor the shredding as its happening.

Following the shredding process, the document destruction company issues a Certificate of Destruction, serving as evidence that you have securely disposed of all confidential information. It is advisable to retain this document for record-keeping purposes, particularly in anticipation of potential audits.

Off-site Shredding

Off-site Shredding Services, also known as Plant Service or Pick-up Shredding Service, offer a cost-effective alternative when witnessed destruction is not necessary. Unlike on-site shredding that primarily accepts paper, hard drives, or mixed media, off-site services provide greater flexibility for shredding various items, including x-rays. Off-site services often involve separating materials for recycling, allowing you to leave your documents or mixed materials in the provided boxes for the plant to handle the material segregation. Communication about the materials you intend to shred is crucial, especially for items like x-rays, which require special handling. Additionally, off-site services may offer the convenience of disposing of unwanted storage boxes along with the documents. Some companies like us at BWS will recycle your boxes for you after contents have been emptied and shredded!

Both on-site and off-site shredding services prioritize security, with service technicians and plant staff adhering to stringent protocols to ensure the safe transportation and handling of sensitive documents throughout the destruction process. Following any type of shredding service by BWS, you will receive a Certificate of Destruction to certify the secure disposal of your documents or materials.

Shredding Service Options in Baltimore and the Surrounding DMV

BWS is the trusted leader throughout Baltimore and the surrounding area for on-site and off-site shredding services. Sensitive documents and data are handled by BWS service techs with the utmost care to protect you and your customer or patients’ confidential information. We are committed to providing top-notch services with tailored options to meet the unique needs and budgets of our clients. We have the flexibility to accommodate jobs of all sizes, whether you require one-time shredding service, an emergency service, or ongoing scheduled pickups. Our specialized Customer Care team can assist you with the process of determining which service is right for you.

We proudly partner with a variety of customers and industries in Maryland and the surrounding mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. Click here to get started.

Share this article:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkediIn

Email