10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Shredding Service

10 Questions to Ask Your Shredding Service Provider

Is this your first time hiring a company for certified document destruction? Choosing a service provider is an important decision that impacts the security of your confidential information, protects your reputation, and demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility. Asking the right questions helps you pick a shredding partner that checks every box. Here are 10 questions to ask any company you’re considering, including Document Shredding & Storage.

1. Do you hold industry-standard certifications?

Certification demonstrates adherence to strict security standards. When a shredding company is credentialed, it means their processes undergo a third-party review to ensure compliance with HIPAA, FACTA, and other regulations. This independent verification provides peace of mind that your documents will never slip through the cracks.

DSS earns top marks with our NAID AAA certification. This award is not easy to obtain. It requires rigorous audits, background screening protocols, and secure destruction methods. A seal of approval from the National Association for Information Destruction means we meet or exceed industry benchmarks for safeguarding confidential information from the moment it’s picked up until it’s completely destroyed.

2. Will I receive a certificate of destruction?

This documented record confirms that your materials were securely and completely destroyed. Many businesses, especially those in regulated industries, require certificates of destruction for compliance purposes, audits, or internal recordkeeping. Rest assured that DSS provides a certificate of destruction after every service.

3. What shredding methods do you employ?

Some providers handle document destruction only off-site, while others bring shredders to your location. DSS offers both mobile and plant based shredding.  Both are secure types of collection methods followed under the NAID AAA certification.  Both on-site and plant based has strict rules to follow to insure all documents are shred and recycled with full security measures within a specific timeframe.  For residential shredding, you can drop off your recycled materials in bags or boxes at either the Amarillo or Lubbock location from 9 am – 3 pm, Monday through Friday.

4. Do you accommodate both one-time purges and regular shredding?

For many people, the need for document shredding fluctuates. A business might need monthly pickups for routine document destruction, but an individual cleaning out their basement may only require a one-time purge.

DSS can accommodate your needs on your timeline. Our mobile shredding services tackle large clean-outs quickly, while loyal clients benefit from regularly scheduled pickups with dedicated shred collection containers. Alternatively, our drop-off services give individuals an affordable way to handle small loads. Such service flexibility enables us to meet the needs of every customer.

5. How do you protect customer documents in transit and storage?

Sensitive documents need protection from the moment they leave your premises until they are destroyed. DSS enforces strict protocols to make sure this happens. All employees undergo rigorous background checks and random screenings. Secure trailers, locked bins, and GPS-tracked trucks ensure documents remain under surveillance. We also monitor our facilities with CCTV and motion detectors for our customers’ peace of mind.

6. Do you recycle shredded paper?

Secure destruction is your top priority, but sustainable handling also matters. At DSS, we recycle every pound of shredded paper to reduce pressure on forests, energy systems, and water supplies. The compressed, 1,000-lb bales of shredded paper re-enter manufacturing channels to become new paper goods. The environmental impact of our approach is substantial, and we couldn’t do it without you.

7. Is your pricing transparent?

Hidden fees can overshadow service quality. No one wants surprises on their bill after trusting a shredding company with their most sensitive information. That’s why transparent, upfront pricing and timely invoicing are a must.

DSS is committed to simple billing procedures. Whether you’re purging archives or scheduling regular pickups, every cost is laid out before service begins. Your bill shows every detail without any hidden charges to trip you up. Such billing clarity builds trust and frees up your time for more important things.

8. How’s your response time and customer support?

Document disposal efforts often come with some urgency. When deadlines loom or secure materials clutter your space, delays can cause stress and compliance issues. A provider that responds swiftly and supports you through the process makes all the difference.

DSS thrives on speed. We arrive at the designated time and complete services efficiently. Our staff communicates clearly, listens to your concerns, and adapts procedures to meet your needs. This combination of responsiveness and strong support puts your mind at ease.

9. Is your company locally owned and community-minded?

Large firms may dominate the market, but local companies offer unmatched dedication and community investment. Partner with DSS to work with a locally owned business rooted in our community. We sponsor public shredding events and work with nonprofits to improve security awareness. Our clients benefit from personalized services and a team that knows and cares about our surrounding region.

10. Do you serve residential customers and small businesses?

Large corporations aren’t the only ones with privacy concerns. Home offices, individual proprietors, and small businesses may also generate sensitive materials requiring secure destruction. Whether you manage an online business or want to clear out old tax records, you need a reliable place to turn.

DSS offers secure shredding and recycling services for residential customers and small businesses, adhering to the same high standards of care we provide to larger accounts. Drop-off shredding is a popular option for small loads, but we can also arrange for paper pickup from your home or office at a scheduled time.

Choose Document Shredding & Storage

If you’re satisfied with our answers to your questions, consider partnering with us for all your document shredding needs. We show up when we say we will and aim to deliver security and simplicity in one package. Contact us today to schedule document destruction services near you in West Texas, the South Plains, the Oklahoma Panhandle, or Eastern New Mexico.