Can I Watch My Documents Being Shredded? Witnessing Options Explained

Frequently Asked Question: Can I Watch the Shredding?

Absolutely. Witnessing document destruction provides the highest level of assurance that your sensitive materials have been properly destroyed.

Witnessing Options

Option 1: Full Witnessing (Onsite)

• Shredding truck comes to your location
• Watch every document enter the shredder
• See the destruction in real-time
• Ideal for: Highly sensitive materials, legal documents, board papers

Option 2: Representative Witnessing (Onsite)

• Nominate a staff member to observe
• They sign off on destruction
• Suitable for: Regular destructions, operational documents

Option 3: Video Confirmation (Offsite)

• Documents destroyed at our facility
• Video recording of destruction process
• Footage available on request
• Good for: Regular scheduled collections

How Onsite Witnessing Works

Before Arrival:

• Confirm witnessing requirement when booking
• Gather documents in accessible location
• Clear space for truck access

During Service:

• Our operator explains the process
• Documents fed into shredder hopper
• Cross-cut shredding visible through window
• Shredded material visible in truck container

After Completion:

• Certificate of Destruction signed by witness
• Copy provided immediately
• Photographic record available if requested

When Witnessing Is Recommended

Highly Recommended:

• Legal files and litigation materials
• Board and executive documents
• HR files for senior staff
• Merger and acquisition documents
• Large one-off purges
• Materials related to disputes or investigations

Optional:

• Regular scheduled collections
• Day-to-day operational documents
• General business correspondence

Not Typically Necessary:

• Low-sensitivity materials
• Documents already past retention requirements
• Routine administrative records

Practical Considerations

Time Required:

• Average job: 15-30 minutes of witnessing
• Large purges: May require multiple hours
• Designate appropriate staff time

Who Should Witness:

• Office manager or administrator
• Records management staff
• Security officer
• Legal or compliance team member

What They'll See:

• Industrial shredder in operation
• Documents completely destroyed
• Cross-cut particles (unreadable)
• Professional, efficient process

Documentation Provided

Standard Certificate:

• Date, time, and location
• Volume destroyed
• Destruction method
• Operator signature

Witnessed Certificate:

• All standard information
• Witness name and signature
• Confirmation of direct observation
• Additional details as required

Cost Considerations

Onsite Witnessing:

• Higher cost than offsite collection
• Value: Complete peace of mind
• Recommended for: Sensitive materials worth the premium

Offsite Collection:

• Lower per-box cost
• Same security standards
• Witnessed by our staff, not yours

We're happy to accommodate witnessing requests. Just let us know when you book.