What Documents Should I Shred? The Complete Checklist

Frequently Asked Question: What Needs to Be Shredded?

A common question we hear: "Does this actually need to be shredded, or can it go in regular recycling?" Here's the definitive guide.

The Golden Rule

If it contains any of these, shred it:

• Names with other identifying information
• Addresses (business or residential)
• Phone numbers or email addresses
• Financial information of any kind
• Dates of birth
• Account numbers
• Signatures
• Employee or customer details

Business Documents: Always Shred

Financial Records:

• Bank statements
• Invoices (sent and received)
• Payment records
• Credit card statements
• Tax documents
• Financial reports
• Budgets and forecasts

Employee Information:

• Payslips and payment records
• Tax file declarations
• Superannuation records
• Leave applications
• Performance reviews
• Resumes and applications
• Termination documents

Customer/Client Information:

• Customer lists and databases (printed)
• Order records
• Correspondence
• Contracts and agreements
• Account applications
• Credit applications
• Complaint records

Operational Documents:

• Meeting minutes
• Strategic plans
• Pricing information
• Supplier agreements
• Tender documents
• Project files

Documents Often Overlooked

These Need Shredding Too:

• Draft documents (often contain sensitive info)
• Copies and duplicates
• Printouts of emails
• Handwritten notes
• Post-it notes with client names
• Appointment diaries
• Desk calendars
• Business cards (others')
• Courier slips with addresses
• Visitor logs
• Phone message pads

Industry-Specific Requirements

Healthcare:

• Patient records and charts
• Prescription records
• Appointment schedules
• Referral letters
• Test results
• Medicare forms

Legal:

• Client files
• Court documents
• Correspondence
• Trust account records
• Wills and estate documents

Financial Services:

• Client statements
• Trading records
• KYC documents
• Risk assessments
• Compliance reports

Real Estate:

• Client details
• Property valuations
• Contract documents
• Settlement records
• Trust account records

What Doesn't Need Shredding

Regular Recycling Is Fine For:

• Generic marketing materials
• Newspapers and magazines
• Blank paper
• Packaging materials
• Public documents (annual reports, etc.)
• Brochures without annotations
• Outdated catalogues

When In Doubt

Ask These Questions:

• Would I want this information about myself thrown in regular bins?
• Could someone use this to impersonate the business?
• Does it contain anyone's personal details?
• Would it embarrass the business if found?

If You Answer Yes: Shred it.

Practical Tip

Make It Easy:

Place secure bins throughout your workplace. When shredding is as convenient as the regular bin, staff make the right choice automatically.