Shredding Checklist

Your personal and financial documents contain the exact information identity thieves need to steal your identity or compromise your business. Never simply throw these items in regular trash or recycling bins.

Financial Documents

• Bank statements and cancelled checks – Account numbers, routing information, and spending patterns
• Credit card statements and offers – Account details and pre-approved credit applications
• Tax returns and supporting documents – Social Security numbers, income details, and personal information
• Investment statements – Portfolio details and account information
• Insurance policies and claims – Personal details and coverage information

Personal Identification Materials

• Expired driver’s licenses and passports – Photo ID and government-issued numbers
• Social Security cards and related documents – Your most valuable personal identifier
• Birth certificates and marriage licenses – Identity verification documents
• Court documents and legal papers – Sensitive personal and legal information
• Medical records and prescription labels – Protected health information under HIPAA

Work and Business Documents

• Employment records and pay stubs – Income verification and employee details
• Contracts and agreements – Confidential business terms and personal signatures
• Client information and customer lists – Protected business intelligence
• Financial reports and accounting records – Proprietary business information

Media, Hardware, and Film Destruction

Digital storage devices pose significant security risks because they can retain data even after formatting. Florida businesses and residents often overlook these items when considering what needs destruction.

Electronic Media

Hard drive destruction is essential for computers, laptops, and external drives. Simply deleting files or reformatting doesn’t permanently remove data. Professional destruction ensures complete data elimination.

• Computer hard drives and solid-state drives – Contains years of stored information
• USB drives and memory cards – Often forgotten but contain sensitive data
• CDs, DVDs, and backup discs – Digital copies of important files
• Floppy disks and legacy media – Older storage devices still containing data
• Smartphones and tablets – Personal information, photos, and business data

Film, Photographs and X-Rays

Physical photographs, film, and X-rays contain personal information that requires proper destruction, especially for healthcare facilities and professional services dealing with client privacy.