What Happens To My Documents After They Are Shredded?
When you schedule a shredding service, you’re doing the right thing to protect sensitive information, but have you ever wondered what actually happens after your documents are destroyed?
At Time Shred Services, we believe transparency is key. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to your documents once they go through our secure on-site shredding process.
The most important step happens right in front of you.
Your documents are placed into secure, locked containers and transported directly to our state-of-the-art shredding truck. Using powerful industrial shredders, your papers are destroyed into tiny, confetti-sized pieces—right there at your location.
Why this matters:
- You can witness the entire process
- Chain of custody is never broken
- Your information is destroyed before our truck leaves your site
- Thorough Mixing of Shredded Material
Once shredded, your documents are no longer recognizable—but the process doesn’t stop there.
Inside the truck, shredded paper is mixed with thousands of pounds of other shredded material. This blending process ensures that even if someone attempted reconstruction (which is virtually impossible), your documents would be indistinguishable from all others.
- Secure Transportation to Recycling Facility
After your service is complete, the shredded paper is transported to a trusted recycling partner.
Because the documents are already destroyed, there is no longer any risk of sensitive information being exposed during transport.
- Baled and Processed for Recycling
At the recycling facility, the shredded paper is:
- Compressed into large bales so it can be transported
- The bales weigh 1,500 to 2,000 pounds each
- The bales are stored securely until a trailer load has been baled.
- Shipped to a Paper Mill
- The bales are loaded onto trailers
- At the mill. They are offloaded
- The bales are placed in a water vat
- Processed into pulp
- Repurposed into new paper products
This can include:
- Paper towels
- Tissue products
- Cardboard and packaging materials
Every pound of paper we shred is recycled.
This not only protects your information—it also helps the environment. In fact, recycling paper reduces landfill waste and conserves natural resources, including trees, water, and energy.
- Certificate of Destruction
After your shredding service, you receive a Certificate of Destruction.
This document confirms that your materials were securely destroyed in compliance with privacy regulations such as:
- HIPAA
- FACTA
- GLBA
It’s your proof of compliance and peace of mind.
Why It Matters
Simply throwing documents away—or even using a small office shredder—doesn’t provide the same level of security or accountability.
With professional shredding from Time Shred Services, you get:
- On-site, witnessed destruction
- Complete chain-of-custody security
- Full recycling of all materials
- Documentation for compliance
Final Thoughts
So, what happens to your documents after they are shredded?
They go from sensitive information → to unrecognizable particles → to recycled paper products, all while maintaining the highest level of security every step of the way.
That’s the difference of working with a professional, locally owned company that takes your security seriously.
Call Today, Have Your Documents Shredded Tomorrow.
When you’re ready to protect your information and the environment, Time Shred Services is here to help.
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