Because “dumpster diving” is a reality, both individuals and businesses must thoroughly destroy all confidential material. It is not illegal for someone to go through your trash; and there are thieves willing to do so in hope of finding information to use against you to their personal gain.

Individuals need to shred their personal and confidential information to protect against identity theft and fraud. A survey by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse in 2000 reports:

• on average it costs a consumer 175 hours and $800 to resolve the problem
• it takes two to four years for victims to clear up the resulting problems.

Shredding your confidential information and that of deceased loved ones is the best protection against identity theft and fraud.

• because you have an “implied contract” with customers that you will protect their personal information, violation could result in legal action
• because civil codes and federal law require it
• By certify shredding all paperwaste, you eliminate the inconsistency of having your own employees determine what is or is not deemed confidential
• to avoid steep fines and stiff penalties for violation
• so the organization will exhibit the highest ethical standard
• to be green -since shredding your documents with Royal Document Destruction guarantees the paper is recycled rather than ending up in the landfill