Is recycling an adequate alternative for document destruction?
Although recycling is good for the environment, it does NOT protect your sensitive information. Recycling has no inherent fiduciary responsibilities. When paper is given away or sold to a recycler, you relinquish decisions as to how it is handled. Many recycling companies do not require background checks on employees that are utilized to sort the paper. And, the materials may be handled in unsecured areas. The sorted paper can be stored for indefinite periods before it is baled and basically sold for the highest price bid. After it is sold, it may again be stored for weeks or months until it is recycled. A recycling program offers no “certificate of destruction” which verifies the date the materials were destroyed. This certificate can be critical in the event of an audit or litigation. So, from a risk management perspective, it is not advisable to choose a recycling program as a means for document destruction. RCI sends materials to recycling after they are destroyed, so in addition t
