Choosing the Right Shredding Service for Accountants in St. Louis

As an accountant, you’re more than just the keeper of numbers—you’re entrusted with your clients’ most personal and sensitive financial details. And with that trust comes the responsibility of making sure their data stays safe.

So, when it comes time to get rid of old records, a quick run through the office shredder might not cut it. Shredding is essential, but choosing the right shredding company? That’s just as important.

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through why shredding matters so much for accountants like you —and how to pick the best shredding services St. Louis MO, that’ll keep your client's trust intact.

Why Shredding is Important for Accountants

We all know how much sensitive information accountants handle. From tax returns to personal financial records, it’s all private and important.

But what happens when those documents need to go? A lot of people might just toss them in the trash or run them through an office shredder, but that can actually put your clients—and your business—at risk.

Data breaches are happening more often than we realize, with over 1,100 recorded in 2020 alone. That’s a lot of personal info exposed.

For accountants, improper document destruction could mean legal problems, financial penalties, and a serious blow to your reputation.

Why Office Shredders Cannot Be Trusted

Let’s be real—those small office shredders can seem like a quick fix when you need to get rid of old papers. But in reality, they have their limits, and using them for important documents can lead to more problems than solutions.

Slowness and Inefficiency: We’ve all been there—staring at a pile of paper and thinking, "This is going to take forever." Office shredders are great for occasional use, but when you have stacks of documents to shred, they’re painfully slow and can quickly turn into a time sink. Time you could be spending on more important tasks.

Risks of Incomplete Shredding: Here’s the kicker—office shredders don’t always get the job done properly. Sometimes, documents are shredded into strips that can easily be pieced back together. That’s a huge security risk when dealing with sensitive data.

The whole point of shredding is to make sure no one can ever read those documents again, and office shredders just don’t guarantee that level of protection.

7 Things to Look for in the Best Shredding Company in St. Louis

When it comes to shredding, you need more than just a service to get rid of paper. You're trusting them with your clients' sensitive information, and that's a big deal. Here's what you should look for when choosing the right shredding company in St. Louis.

Check if They Get Their Staff:

The people handling your documents need to be trustworthy. When you're considering a shredding service, ask if they perform background checks on their staff. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to confidentiality. A company that values security will take steps to make sure their employees are well-trained and have the right understanding of how sensitive your documents are.

Security Should Be a Priority:

Security isn’t just about locking up documents; it’s about having a plan in place from start to finish. Whether it’s using secure containers to collect the papers or ensuring monitored transportation, a good shredding service will have security at every stage. Plus, mobile shredding services are a great option—having the truck come to you adds an extra layer of confidence because you can actually watch the shredding happen.

They Should Provide a Certificate of Destruction:

It’s not enough just to trust that everything is shredded properly. A reliable company should offer you a certificate of destruction once the job is done. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s proof that the documents were destroyed according to industry standards, and it’s important for compliance, especially in sectors with strict data protection rules.

Flexibility in Services:

Whether you need a one-time purge or regular shredding, the company should offer options that fit your needs. It’s also about flexibility—can they schedule pickups on your terms? Mobile shredding is especially useful for businesses with larger quantities of documents, and having the shredding done on-site might save you a lot of hassle.

Eco-Friendly Practices Matter:

Many businesses now look for ways to be more environmentally conscious, and shredding is no different. When choosing a shredding service, find out what happens to your paper once it’s destroyed. A company that properly recycles shredded paper helps reduce waste and aligns with your eco-friendly goals.

Time-Saving and Affordable:

Time is valuable, so don’t waste it. Look for a shredding company that offers fast, efficient service without hidden fees. They should be able to handle large volumes without slowing you down. You shouldn’t be paying for unnecessary extra services, but you also want the job done properly, and without delays.

Make Sure They’re Compliant with Regulations:

There are certain laws that businesses have to follow when it comes to document destruction—like HIPAA for healthcare or GLBA for financial services. A reliable shredding company will know these regulations inside and out and make sure your documents are destroyed in a compliant manner. This ensures you’re not just meeting the legal requirements but also avoiding any potential fines or trouble.

Safeguard Your Client’s Trust with Professional Shredding Services in St. Louis, MO

In the accounting world, trust is everything. You’re entrusted with your clients’ most sensitive financial information, and the last thing you want is for that trust to be compromised due to improper shredding.

By following the guide above, you’ll be able to find a shredding company in St. Louis that helps you stay compliant and ensures that your clients' data is secure.

Your clients trust you—make sure that trust extends all the way to your shredding practices. Look for secure shredding services near me to protect what matters most.