Shred Size / Particle Size is Important

There are many good reasons to shred your old documents and files. It's good for the environment because shredded material is easy to recycle through hydro pulping. It also adds a sense of security that your documents and files can not be read. BE CAREFUL, DON'T BE FOOLED.

There are many shredding companies that do not render your documents and files unreadable. It is important to know the shred or particle size that is being generated by your contractor. There are two standards that could get quoted to you and they are DIN and NAID. The standard that is accepted and used by the legal profession, National Security Administration, Federal Reserve and other government agencies is DIN.

The DIN standard was developed out of the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut fur Normung) and has been adopted by the European Union as well as many United States governmental agencies.

DIN Level One Shredding- Very low security. This shred size should only be used for general records and documents. This shred size is used by many mobile shredding units and is great for recycling. Particle size is between 3/8 x 3 1/8 inch. Strip cut is 3/8 inch with no cross cut.

DIN Level Two- Low to Medium security. This shred size is good for internal documents without strict security needs. High speed plant based shredding companies (not mobile), typically shred to this level. Particle size is 1/4 x 9/16 inch. Strip cut is between 1/4 and 1/8 inch. Cross cut is 1/2 x 2.0 to 1/2 x 9/16 inch.

DIN Level Three- Medium security. This shred size is good for confidential documents. It can also be used as the minimum standard (DIN Level Four is preferred) for any document that could compromise someone's identity or contains medical information. Plant based shredding companies with high security typically provide this service. These documents are not unreadable and can be reconstructed by computer programs. The shredded material must be mixed with level 1 or 2 shred size for recycling. Particle size is 1/8 x 1 1/8 ? 2. Strip cut is 1/16 inch.

DIN Level Four- Medium to High security. This shred size is used for some secret documents and sensitive information. This is the recommended shred size for all medical records and any documents that could be used in identity theft. Only the most sophisticated computer programs can put this shred standard back in readable form. The shredded material must be mixed with level 1 or 2 shred size for recycling. Particle size is 1/16 x 9/16 to 5/8 inch. No strip cut meets this standard only cross cut that can meet particle size standard.

DIN Level Five- High Security. This is the shred size used for extremely confidential documents, secret documents, paper that documents proprietary research, and government applications. This shred size is very difficult to manipulate with computer programs and would take incredible effort to make any document readable. The shredded material must be mixed with level 1 or 2 shred size for recycling. Particle size is 1/32 x 3/8 to 1/2 inches. No strip cut meets this standard only cross cut that can meet particle size standard.

DIN Level Six- Highest Security level. This is the particle size mandated by the National Security Agency (NSA), Central Security Service, and the Department of Defense (DOD) for top secret documents. An 8" x 11" letter size sheet of paper must be reduced to at least 12,000 particle pieces. Particle size is 1/32 x 5/32 inch.

In summary, every retention schedule and record series should also have a plan for the end of its life cycle. Pre-planning and following a security level standard will make sure every document file or box of files is destroyed properly. The J. D. Carton team is ready to help with your entire document and file management challenges. It starts with a brief meeting where we will discuss your goals and wishes. We will perform a free evaluation of your current situation where you will learn what you are doing correctly and where you may want to consider getting help.

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