Shred Days, free confidential document shredding (2024)

FAQs!

How does it work?

At each location, we’ve created a “drive-thru” so you can quickly enter and exit the event. The drive-thru is convenient, ensures we accommodate all members and keeps exits clear for fire or other emergencies. First, your confidential documents are placed in bins. Once each bin is full, it is sent to the truck for shredding.

Where in the parking lot do I go to drop of my confidential documents?

  • Paso Robles Branch:The Vital Records shred truck is parked in front of the branch entryway. Members may “drive-thru” the teller window traffic lane to exit. Members needing to use the ATM may park directly in front of it.
  • Atascadero Branch:The Vital Records shred trucks will be parked in the lot directly in front of the Atascadero branch front doors. Vehicles will line up for shredding services using the Atascadero branch drive thru lane. This pattern will ensure we keep the lanes in the shopping center parking lot clear of traffic and clears access to our ATM. Our friendly staff will be there to direct you into place. Members needing to use the ATMs may park in the adjacent lot.
  • San Luis Obispo Headquarters:The Vital Records shred trucks will be parked in the Headquarters lot. As you enter on Industrial Way, drive past the San Luis Obispo branch parking lot. Look for our friendly staff and signs, who will direct you to the drive-thru. The drive-thru lane will circle the perimeter of the Headquarters lot, ensuring traffic is not backed up for members needing access the San Luis Obispo branch and ATM. Please note that the event does not begin before 9:00 a.m., so if you arrive early, please park in the SESLOC Branch parking lot to ensure the shred trucks have room to maneuver to their event location.
  • Santa Maria Branch: The Vital Records shred trucks will be parked in front of the branch. Vehicles may follow the cones to enter the lot.

Do I need to bring proof of membership?

No. In order to keep the drive-thru line moving quickly, we will not request proof of membership.

My shred boxes are heavy. Will there be someone to help me?

Yes. You may remain in your vehicle while you drive-thru the event. Our friendly staff will request permission to retrieve your boxes from your vehicle, dropping your confidential documents in the bins. Or, you may remove them yourself.

What do I do with my boxes?

The Vital Records trucks cannot shred cardboard boxes, and SESLOC does not have the capacity to store boxes for recycling. Members must take boxes or containers after the confidential documents are dropped in the bins.

May I watch my documents being shredded?

Yes, you may remain on premises to watch your confidential documents in the bins being shredded in the Docuteam truck. Because it may take a few minutes before a bin is full, we ask that you park away from the drive-thru lane while waiting so we can accommodate the next member.

I want to make sure I get my documents shredded and will arrive early. Where does the drive-thru queue start?

The event cannot start until the Vital Records trucks are in their designated parking spot. Prior to event start, traffic cones will mark the spaces designated for the trucks. If you arrive early, please park in adjacent spaces. SESLOC staff will then direct you to the drive-thru lane. For the event in SLO at our HQ, please park in the North Lot (Branch parking lot) to wait until the event starts to ensure the shred trucks have room to maneuver to their event location.

I cannot attend the Shred Day event. May I drop off my documents at the branch?

No, we cannot store confidential documents for members. Members must be present at the event to benefit from the complimentary shredding service.

Do you have Shred Days at other branches throughout the year?

Yes, we have offered Shred Days at San Luis Obispo Headquarters, and the Atascadero and Paso Robles branches. In 2023, we will host our first ever Shred Day at the Santa Maria branch in late summer. Due to the size and structure of the parking lot at the Arroyo Grande branch, we cannot accommodate this type of event while allowing easy access to other merchants in the shopping center.

Shred Days, free confidential document shredding (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to destroy confidential paper documents when no longer in use? ›

Destroy paper documents permanently and securely

Shredding is a common way to destroy paper documents and is usually quick, easy and cost-effective. Many retailers sell shredders for use within your office or premises, enabling you to shred and dispose of the documents yourself.

Should you shred confidential documents? ›

We all know it's important to shred our most sensitive pieces of information—credit card statements or applications, tax-related documents, identity cards, etc. Knowing what to shred is key to keeping your identity protected, your finances secure, and your family safe.

Where is the safest place to shred documents? ›

Where Is the Safest Place to Shred Documents?
  • At-home: invest in a personal shredder and shred your documents at home, especially if you don't have much. ...
  • In-Store Shredding Services: there might be retailers in your neighbourhood that offer accessible and convenient shredding services.
Feb 2, 2024

Do you have to remove paper clips before shredding? ›

No, you do not need to remove any paper fasteners, like paper clips or staples, from the documents before shredding. Once your documents are shredded, the shredding is then brought to a recycling plant where they remove the metal when making new paper products.

How to dispose of old bank statements without a shredder? ›

How do you destroy confidential documents without a shredder? Soak papers in water to pulp them, making them unreadable. Alternatively, manually tear or use fireplaces to burn them.

How do I delete confidential documents without a shredder? ›

Best Ways to Dispose of Private Materials

If it is legal to do so, burn the documents in a fire pit and spread the ashes. Soak papers in water and bleach to create a pulp. Let the pulp dry, then dispose of it. Overwrite, degauss (demagnetize), or physically destroy hard drives to dispose of digital documents.

Should I shred everything with my name and address? ›

To protect your privacy, you should also consider shredding items that include: Names. Addresses. Phone numbers.

Can I throw away old credit card statements? ›

Your best option is to shred any documents that contain sensitive information before tossing them. Either invest in a shredder for your home or utilize a professional shredding service. You will likely pay a fee for this service, but it's a small price to keep your personal information safe.

Do credit card receipts need to be shredded? ›

Receipts. Not all receipts need to be shredded, but all receipts from credit card purchases should be shredded. These receipts often include the last four digits of your card number, and sometimes your signature. Start shredding these to keep that info secure.

How much does it cost to get shredded? ›

Drop Off Shredding: The price for this service will vary by location, but it's typically around $1 per pound for drop off shredding services. Mobile Shredding: The price to have a shred truck visit your location varies by location, quantity, and other factors.

What is a local shred day? ›

Shred Days Are Back

They're events where you can easily and safely dispose of all those old personal documents that you no longer need, using our on-site provider. It's a great way to declutter your space while keeping your personal information safe from identity thieves.

How effective is shredding documents? ›

Information Security: Shredding documents effectively prevents sensitive data from being stolen or falling into the wrong hands, providing peace of mind to both you and your clients.

Can you burn documents instead of shredding? ›

Burning is simply not a viable option. Shredding documents is safe and responsible. When you shred your confidential information, you are also recycling and helping reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Can you put a CD in a shred it bin? ›

Our unique technology can even destroy other materials like fabric, plastic, electronics and metals. Yes, that means CDs, USB drives, videotapes, DVDs and even casino chips.

Are staples okay for shredding? ›

In conclusion, shredding paper with staples is possible with most shredders, especially heavy-duty and commercial-grade models. To ensure the security and efficiency of your document shredding, consider outsourcing the task to a professional shredding service like Cross Cut Shredding.

How do you dispose of confidential papers? ›

What is the best way to destroy documents?
  1. Get a paper shredder. If you don't already have a paper shredder at home, it's a good idea to invest in one. ...
  2. Send out documents to be destroyed. ...
  3. Censor specific information. ...
  4. Soak them in water. ...
  5. Burn documents. ...
  6. Tax statements. ...
  7. Other statements.
Mar 21, 2023

What is the safest way to get rid of documents? ›

The best way to properly dispose of documents that contain your personal information is to shred them before discarding them. If you don't own a paper shredder, check for community shredding events near you or ask about AAA Shred Events at your local branch.

Can you destroy records of confidential information? ›

Confidential records should be destroyed when they are no longer needed or relevant for the purpose they were created. Destroying confidential records can help you save space, reduce clutter, and comply with legal and ethical obligations.

How do you dispose of confidential information? ›

One should use confidential waste bin or cross-cut shredder in the workplace for documents disposal. Never never to leave confidential waste in a public place.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 6154

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.