5 Ways to Safely Dispose of Personal Documents

When it comes to getting rid of personal documents, it's important to do so safely to protect your privacy and prevent identity theft. Simply throwing papers in the trash isn't enough — criminals can easily dig through your garbage to steal personal information. Here are five safe ways to dispose of your important documents:

1. Tear Them Up by Hand

Tearing documents by hand is definitely the most time-consuming and labor-intensive method, but it's also completely free — aside from the time you'll spend doing it. While it's not the most secure way to get rid of sensitive papers, it can still work if done carefully.

Start by tearing the important parts of your documents into small pieces, making sure no information is left intact. To be extra cautious, it's a good idea to separate the pieces into different trash bins. This makes it much harder for anyone to piece the documents back together if they go through your trash.

While it takes more effort, this method can still help protect your privacy without spending any money.

2. Shred Them

If you want to save time, buying a paper shredder is a more efficient solution, though it can be noisy and might need regular maintenance or blade replacements, especially if you're shredding a large number of documents.

For a quieter, less maintenance-heavy option, paper shredding scissors can be a good choice. These special scissors cut documents into strips, though it's still a slower process compared to using a shredder. Another great option is to take advantage of community "Shred Days." Many local organizations, businesses, or recycling centers host these events, offering a free and secure way to dispose of personal documents.

3. Let Someone Else Do It

Many local businesses offer document shredding services to help you safely get rid of sensitive papers. Some of these services are free, while others charge a small fee based on how much you need to shred. One great thing about using these services is that your documents are mixed with those of other customers, making it harder for anyone to access your personal information.

You can find document shredding services at places like recycling companies, banks, and credit unions, which take privacy seriously. Retail stores such as Staples^®, The UPS Store^®, and FedEx^® locations also offer shredding services, making it easy to drop off your papers for secure destruction. These options can give you peace of mind knowing your documents are being handled safely by professionals.

4. Soak Them

A simple and surprisingly effective way to dispose of sensitive documents is by soaking them in water. While it's not the quickest method and requires some patience, it's a great option if you don't have access to a shredder or other tools.

To begin, place your documents into a large bucket filled with water, making sure they are completely submerged. Allow them to soak for at least 24 hours (or longer if necessary) to ensure the paper softens and becomes easier to break apart. Once the soaking period is over, stir the water and paper mixture thoroughly to break the paper into small, shredded pieces. If you have a paint mixer attachment for a drill, this will make the process even easier and faster by turning the paper into a mushy paste. The goal is to make the paper unrecognizable, so be sure to mix it well. Once everything is reduced to a paste-like consistency, you can safely dispose of it in the trash.

This method is not only effective but also eco-friendly, as it doesn't rely on chemicals or harmful disposal techniques. By using this method, you can ensure your personal information is completely destroyed while minimizing your environmental impact.

5. Light Them Up

Burning documents can be a tempting option for getting rid of sensitive information, but it's important to remember that it's not the most eco-friendly or safest method. If you absolutely have to burn your papers, the first step is to check your local laws about trash burning. Some areas have strict regulations regarding outdoor burning, so you'll want to make sure it's legal before lighting a match. It's crucial that you NEVER burn paper inside your home, whether in a fireplace, stove, or wood-burning oven, as this could create dangerous fumes and even cause a fire hazard.

The best way to burn documents is outside in a controlled environment like a fire pit or metal barrel. Before starting the fire, make sure to tear or cut your documents into smaller pieces — this will help ensure that the paper burns more thoroughly. Once you've finished burning the paper, allow the fire to completely die out. Afterward, carefully sift through the ashes to make sure no readable fragments remain. It's essential to break up the ashes and fully destroy the documents to prevent any personal information from being pieced together. While burning documents can be effective, it's important to do it safely and responsibly, taking care of both your surroundings and the environment.

Safely disposing of personal documents is an important step in protecting your privacy. Whether you choose to shred your papers, soak them in water, or use a professional shredding service, it's essential to make sure your personal information doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Remember to always be thorough when destroying sensitive documents and consider using a method that works best for you. By taking the time to dispose of your documents safely, you can avoid identity theft and ensure your personal information stays private.

References: How to Safely Get Rid of Paper Documents | How to Properly Dispose of Private Personal Information