By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Identity theft is a growing concern for individuals and businesses dealing with both employee and client records. So what’s the best way to dispose of unwanted paperwork that may contain important information such as names, birth dates and Social Security numbers? Why not let Shreddit, of Presque Isle, handle all your shredding needs, whether large or small?
“It’s scary in today’s world, where a person’s identity can be so easily stolen simply by obtaining a piece of paper with important information,” said Susan Smith, work services manager at the facility located between Aroostook Trusses and the city of Presque Isle’s recycle/transfer station, on the Industrial Park.
Smith said many business owners may not realize there are now laws in place requiring the proper disposal of private records.
“Businesses don’t realize there are fines for papers found with names and other private information on them,” said Smith. “People just don’t realize how bad it’s (identity theft) getting.”
Four or five staff members, working under close supervision, process several tons of discarded papers monthly from various communities, including Caribou and Presque Isle.
“We deal with hospitals, Maine Public Service, banks and many other organizations and individuals from throughout Aroostook County,” said Smith. “We collect from all over the County. We can pick up materials or it can be dropped off here at the shredding facility.”
Pickup is performed based on a client’s needs, be it weekly or monthly. From pickup to shredding and bailing, all is handled under close supervision.
“We’re members of NAID (National Association of Information Destruction),” Smith continued.
To become a member of NAID, staff had to undergo background checks.
“It’s a highly secured system,” said Smith. “We’re fully bonded and insured.”
Shreddit specializes in the safe, secure destruction and disposal of: confidential documents, financial information and trade secrets. The business is also subject to regular and unannounced inspections and reviews.
“We provide you with documentation that certifies your materials have been disposed of properly,” she said.
There are other safety factors involved with letting Shreddit shred your unwanted paperwork.
“Sure, a business can buy a paper shredder, but there are risks involved. Employees could sustain an injury or not properly dispose of documents for any number of reasons. By letting us do the shredding, those risks are eliminated,” Smith said.
Another advantage over the smaller shredders is the fact staples, paperclips and rubber bands don’t have to be removed.
“The machine can handle such items, so there’s no need for removal,” said Smith.
The cost for such services, according to Smith, is quite economical and can prevent fines or worse.
“We have a set standard. We charge 21 cents per pound. We accept payment monthly on most accounts. Whether items are picked up or dropped off at our facility, we weigh them upon arrival. If we don’t shred them immediately, they are locked securely in our storage area. Shredded materials are baled, then shipped to a recycling center where the material is re-used,” said Smith.
She also indicated paper isn’t the only material accepted at the site.
“We can also handle DVDs, CDs, floppy disks and VCR tapes. With today’s technological advancements, you can’t always be guaranteed that a disk is erased. And pulling a tape out of a casing won’t prevent someone with time on their hands from rewinding it. But once it’s put through the shredder, information is properly destroyed,” said Smith.
In some cases, baled material is even used for animal bedding.
“We had an order recently for bales to be used for horse bedding. We used a mix of magazines and office paper for that individual,” said Patty Smith, who serves as a Supervisor One at the business. “Other materials are baled and then shipped downstate or to Canada for recycling.”
So if you’re looking for a safe way to dispose of your confidential documents, why not give Shreddit a try? For more information, call 762-5591 or 764-6108. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Tours can also be arranged, especially for school groups and home-schooled children,” said Susan Smith.
“We’d be happy to show them what we do and explain the importance of properly destroying private information.”
