Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Clear Answers To Common Shredding Concerns
At DSS, we know that customers often have important questions before choosing a shredding service. Whether you are a business handling sensitive client files or a household cleaning out years of accumulated paperwork, understanding the process helps build confidence in how your information is protected. This page was created to provide straightforward guidance and address the most common DSS FAQs, giving you a clear picture of how our services work and what to expect. Reach out if you have any other questions about our services in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, or Odessa,TX
Our shredding services cover a wide range of materials. Most paper documents can be securely destroyed, including financial records, medical files, contracts, and outdated business reports. In addition, many shredding trucks and plants can handle non-paper items such as X-rays, product packaging, and ID cards. The goal is to ensure that any item containing sensitive data is destroyed before it can pose a risk.
This is one of the most common shredding FAQ topics we receive. The short answer is no — most industrial shredders are designed to cut through staples, paper clips, and even binder clips without a problem. That means you don’t have to spend hours preparing boxes of documents. However, we do recommend removing larger items such as three-ring binders or metal clasps, as these can sometimes jam the machinery.
Pricing depends on several factors, including the volume of documents, the frequency of service, and whether you need on-site or off-site shredding. A small batch of documents may be priced differently than a recurring weekly pickup. Many businesses prefer scheduled service because it ensures ongoing compliance and can often lower costs per visit. At DSS, we keep billing simple and transparent, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Yes, most reputable shredding providers ensure that the shredded paper is sent to certified recycling facilities. This process allows destroyed documents to be repurposed into items like tissue products, paper towels, and recycled packaging. It’s one way that secure shredding not only protects information but also supports environmental responsibility. By choosing a provider like DSS, you can feel confident knowing that your documents are handled in a way that is both secure and sustainable.
On-site shredding takes place right at your location, typically using a mobile shredding truck. This allows you to watch the process and confirm destruction immediately. Off-site shredding, on the other hand, involves securely transporting documents to a shredding facility where they are destroyed in bulk. Both options are fully compliant and secure, and the best choice depends on your business needs.
For most customers, preparation is simple. Just place documents into the designated shred bins or boxes provided. As mentioned, staples and paper clips do not need to be removed. Larger binders, notebooks with thick covers, or heavy-duty folders should be taken out to avoid equipment issues. Other than that, there’s no need to sort papers — everything is handled in a straightforward and efficient process.
Security is at the core of professional shredding. Certified providers follow strict chain-of-custody procedures to ensure documents are tracked from collection to destruction. Employees undergo background checks and training, while equipment is designed to meet or exceed industry standards. Customers receive a Certificate of Destruction as proof that the process has been completed properly.
Once documents are destroyed, the shredded material is compressed into large bales and sent to trusted recycling partners. From there, it is processed and turned into new paper products. This closed-loop system ensures that confidential documents are unrecoverable while also reducing waste sent to landfills.
Yes, many organizations set up scheduled services to maintain compliance and protect information on an ongoing basis. Regular pickups prevent sensitive files from piling up and reduce the risk of data breaches. Scheduling can be tailored to the needs of each business, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
While businesses are the most common users of shredding services, households can also take advantage of secure document destruction. Residential shredding is ideal for old tax documents, medical records, and other personal files. Many people choose drop-off services or schedule a one-time purge when clearing out years of paperwork.
Certifications like NAID AAA Certification are the industry standard for document destruction. They indicate that the provider has undergone third-party audits and meets strict requirements for security, employee screening, and operational practices. Working with a certified company ensures peace of mind that your information is being handled properly.
One of the advantages of working with a local company like DSS is responsiveness. Many customers are able to schedule shredding within just a few business days. Because we are not a large, national provider with long wait times, we pride ourselves on showing up when we say we will and providing fast, reliable service.
Yes. With on-site shredding, customers are welcome to observe the process from start to finish. This gives you complete assurance that your sensitive files are destroyed before the truck leaves your property. For those who prefer off-site shredding, locked containers and strict transportation protocols ensure the same level of protection.
Shredding providers like DSS can manage everything from a single box of records to entire warehouses full of outdated files. Whether it’s a one-time purge or an ongoing service, equipment and processes are designed to scale with customer needs. The flexibility ensures that no job is too large or too small to receive secure handling.
Yes. After every shredding job, you will receive a Certificate of Destruction. This document serves as official proof that your records have been securely destroyed. For businesses, this certificate is often a key part of compliance documentation for auditors or regulators.
While most paper-based documents and light office materials are accepted, certain items cannot be processed. These include hazardous materials, electronic devices, large amounts of cardboard, and food waste. If you are unsure about a specific item, your shredding provider can confirm whether it can be destroyed safely.
We understand that billing can be frustrating with larger providers. At DSS, invoices are straightforward, accurate, and always on time. This transparency makes it easier for customers to manage costs and trust that they are being charged correctly.
Yes. Many industries, including healthcare, finance, and legal services, must follow strict regulations for information security. Professional shredding supports compliance with laws like HIPAA, FACTA, and GLBA by ensuring confidential records are destroyed properly. Maintaining a shredding program also reduces liability risks.