Document Shredding: The Complete Guide to Secure Paper Destruction
Whether you're clearing out a filing cabinet at home or managing confidential records for a business, document shredding is the only reliable way to make sure sensitive information doesn't end up in the wrong hands. This guide covers everything you need to know — from security levels and legal requirements to the practical differences between doing it yourself and using a professional service.
Why Document Shredding Matters
Every piece of paper with personal information on it — names, addresses, account numbers, medical details, financial records — is a potential target for identity theft and fraud. Simply throwing documents in the bin or recycling them whole leaves that information completely exposed.
For businesses, the stakes are even higher. Under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, organisations have a legal obligation to securely dispose of personal data they no longer need. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover.
Did You Know?
Identity fraud costs the UK economy over £1.2 billion annually. Dumpster diving — where criminals search through rubbish for personal documents — remains one of the most common methods of obtaining information for fraud.
Shredding Security Levels Explained
Not all shredding is equal. The DIN 66399 standard defines security levels based on the size of the shredded particles:
Strip Cut (P-1/P-2)
Cuts paper into long strips up to 12mm wide.
Low security — strips can be reassembled.
Cross Cut (P-3/P-4)
Cuts paper both lengthways and widthways into small particles.
High security — the standard we use at Cross Cut Shredding.
Micro Cut (P-5/P-6/P-7)
Produces extremely fine particles, virtually dust.
Maximum security — used for government/military documents.
Professional Shredding vs Home Shredders
Home shredders have their place for occasional use, but they have significant limitations compared to professional document shredding services:
Professional Service
- • Industrial machines handle thousands of sheets per hour
- • Cross-cut to P-3/P-4 security standard
- • Handles staples, paper clips, and card
- • Certificate of destruction provided
- • BS EN 15713 compliant process
- • Secure chain of custody throughout
Home Shredder
- • Typically 5-10 sheets at a time
- • Often strip-cut only (lower security)
- • Jams on staples and thick paper
- • No proof of destruction
- • Overheats after extended use
- • Time-consuming for large volumes
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Covering Somerset, Dorset and into Devon & Wiltshire
What Can Be Shredded?
Professional shredding services can handle far more than just A4 paper. Here's what we process at Cross Cut Shredding:
Paper Documents
- • Bank statements and financial records
- • Medical records and prescriptions
- • Legal documents and contracts
- • Employee records and payslips
- • Tax returns and invoices
- • Letters and correspondence
Other Materials
- • Credit and debit cards
- • ID badges and passes
- • Cardboard folders and files
- • Envelopes (including windowed)
- • Notebooks and diaries
- • Documents with staples or clips
Business vs Domestic Shredding
We offer different service options depending on your needs:
Business Collection
Regular or one-off collections from your premises. We provide secure consoles and sacks.
Learn more →Domestic Service
Home collection for personal documents. Ideal for clearing out paperwork, probate, or house moves.
Learn more →Drop-In Service
Bring your documents to our Yeovil facility. Watch them being destroyed — from just £18.
Learn more →GDPR and Document Shredding
The General Data Protection Regulation requires organisations to implement "appropriate technical and organisational measures" to protect personal data — including when disposing of it. In practice, this means:
- Paper records containing personal data must be securely destroyed, not just binned
- You should be able to demonstrate compliance with a certificate of destruction
- Your shredding provider should operate to recognised standards (BS EN 15713)
- A clear audit trail should exist from collection to destruction
Document Shredding Across the South West
Based in Yeovil, we provide document shredding services across Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, and Bristol. Whether you need a one-off clearance or regular collections, we cover your area:
Somerset
Dorset
Devon
Wiltshire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is document shredding?
Document shredding is the physical destruction of paper documents to prevent sensitive information from being read or reconstructed. Professional shredding uses industrial cross-cut machines that reduce paper to tiny particles.
Is document shredding a legal requirement?
Under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, organisations must securely dispose of personal data they no longer need. Document shredding is the most widely accepted method for paper records.
What's the difference between cross-cut and strip-cut?
Strip-cut produces long strips that can potentially be reassembled. Cross-cut shreds both lengthways and widthways, producing small confetti-like pieces that are far more secure.
How much does professional shredding cost?
Drop-in shredding starts from £18. Collection services are priced based on volume and frequency. Contact us for a free quote.
Need Secure Document Shredding?
Whether it's a box of old bank statements or a warehouse full of business records, we'll handle it securely. Get a free quote today.