Paper Shredding: What, Why, and How
Paper shredding isn’t just about cleaning out your desk. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from identity theft and keep sensitive information out of the wrong hands.
Whether you’re a small business, a busy household, or someone getting ready to move, shredding old documents can save you trouble down the road.
At Blue Bird Pack & Ship in Denver, we handle secure shredding for customers every week. Some drop off a small stack of papers, while others bring in boxes from storage rooms, basements, or filing cabinets.
Either way, shredding is one of those “do it once and breathe easier” tasks. Here’s what you should know before you toss your next pile of papers.
Identity Theft Is Real
Identity theft isn’t a scare tactic; it’s one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported over 1.1 million cases of identity theft in 2023.
Criminals don’t need much to cause damage: a discarded bank statement, old medical bill, or pre-approved credit card offer. They use these to open accounts in your name.
Many cases begin in the simplest way possible: with someone going through trash or recycling bins. It's not always a hacker behind a screen; sometimes It's a person a few blocks away.
Shredding sensitive documents keeps this information from falling into the wrong hands. Professional shredding is not only for businesses. It's an important step for individuals who want peace of mind. At Blue Bird Pack And Ship, we destroy paperwork completely so there is nothing left to reconstruct.
Identity theft by the numbers:
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The FTC logged 1,135,270 identity-theft complaints in 2024, up from 1,036,845 the year before.
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The average person in the U.S. faces an identity-theft attempt roughly every 14 seconds.
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Synthetic identity fraud now accounts for 30 percent of all cases by 2025.
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Consumers reported over $10 billion in overall fraud losses in 2023, with identity theft leading the complaints.
What to Shred and What to Keep
Not every piece of paper needs to go into the shredder, but many people underestimate how much contains personal data.
Shred:
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Bank and credit card statements (after reconciling)
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Tax returns and supporting documents older than seven years
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Pay stubs after confirming with your W-2 or 1099
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Old utility bills, insurance policies, and medical records
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Junk mail with your name and address
Keep:
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Birth and death certificates
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Social Security cards
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Legal documents like wills and deeds
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Recent tax records (within seven years)
If you’re not sure, ask yourself if the document has personal, financial, or medical details.
If it does, shred it.
When in doubt, it’s safer to shred than store.
DIY Shredder vs. Professional Shred Service
A small home shredder works for occasional jobs, but it has limits. They jam easily, can overheat, and often produce long strips that can be pieced back together.
A professional shred service like Blue Bird Pack & Ship can handle large amounts quickly, using cross-cut or micro-cut shredders that create tiny, unreadable pieces.
This level of security makes a real difference for high-risk documents. You can drop off a bag or box, and we will make sure every page is completely destroyed.
For businesses with ongoing shredding needs, professional services also free up staff time and ensure compliance with data privacy laws. For individuals, it means you don’t have to spend hours feeding paper into a small machine at home.
What Happens After It’s Shredded
The story doesn’t end with destruction. Shredded paper is baled and sent to recycling facilities. The fibers are turned into paper towels, tissue, or recycled paper products. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, recycling a ton of paper saves enough energy to power the average home for six months.
This process also reduces landfill waste and keeps sensitive data from ever being recovered. It’s a win for your privacy and for the environment.
Bonus: Shred Days in Denver
Denver and surrounding areas often host “shred days,” which are community events where residents can bring documents for on-site shredding.
They’re usually free or low-cost and often sponsored by banks, credit unions, or local government offices.
Event dates vary, so check city and community calendars.
Blue Bird Pack And Ship can help you find upcoming events if you prefer this option over a standard drop-off.
For large volumes or urgent shredding needs, our in-store service is often faster and more convenient.
Quick Paper Shredding Facts
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The FTC recommends shredding any document with personal information before discarding.
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Cross-cut shredding turns a single page into hundreds of pieces, making reconstruction nearly impossible.
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Secure shredding is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce identity theft risk.
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Businesses can face legal penalties for improper disposal of client or employee records.
Final Tips for Shredding
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Sort documents before bringing them in to save time.
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Remove large binder clips and metal fasteners if possible.
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Shred regularly so paperwork never piles up.
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Store papers to be shredded in a secure location until you can bring them in.
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For sensitive business records, request a certificate of destruction for compliance purposes.
Shredding Made Easy in Denver
Paper shredding does not have to be a chore.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship offers secure document destruction right here in Denver.
Whether you have one box or an entire office to clear out, we will handle it quickly and securely. You leave knowing your information is gone for good, and you help keep paper waste out of landfills.
From protecting your identity to meeting business compliance requirements, shredding is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your information.
Stop in today and take the guesswork out of shredding because your peace of mind is worth it.