What Happens to Your Documents After Shredding? The Complete Journey

Frequently Asked Question: What Happens After Shredding?

Many clients are curious about the complete lifecycle of their destroyed documents. Here's the full journey from your desk to recycled products.

Stage 1: Collection

Your Premises:

• Documents placed in secure, locked containers
• Containers remain locked until destruction
• Chain of custody begins

Transport:

• GPS-tracked vehicles
• Locked cargo areas
• Direct route to destruction

Stage 2: Destruction

Onsite Shredding:

• Industrial cross-cut shredder in truck
• Documents reduced to particles (typically 15mm x 50mm or smaller)
• You can watch the process

Offsite Shredding:

• Documents transferred to secure holding
• Batch shredded using industrial equipment
• CCTV monitored throughout

Destruction Standard:

• Cross-cut method prevents reconstruction
• Exceeds DIN 66399 security level P-3
• Suitable for confidential business documents

Stage 3: Baling

After Shredding:

• Shredded material collected in large containers
• Compressed into bales weighing 300-500kg
• Bales wrapped for transport

Quality Control:

• Random checks for contamination (plastics, metals)
• Bales marked with date and source
• Traceability maintained

Stage 4: Paper Mill

Transportation:

• Bales transported to paper recycling mills
• Australian mills preferred for environmental reasons
• Overseas mills used when required

Pulping Process:

• Shredded paper mixed with water
• Heated to break down fibres
• Ink and contaminants removed
• Clean pulp produced

Stage 5: New Products

What Your Documents Become:

• Office paper and stationery
• Cardboard boxes and packaging
• Paper towels and tissues
• Newsprint and magazines

The Closed Loop:

• Your old contracts might become new printer paper
• Employee records could become shipping boxes
• Confidential reports might become paper towels

Environmental Benefit

By Recycling vs. Landfill:

• 17 trees saved per tonne recycled
• 70% less energy than virgin paper
• 50% less water consumption
• 74% less air pollution

Your Certificate of Destruction

What It Confirms:

• Date and time of destruction
• Volume destroyed
• Method used
• Responsible parties
• Recycling destination

Compliance Value:

• Legal evidence of proper disposal
• Audit trail for regulators
• Due diligence documentation

Your documents are not just destroyed—they're given a new, useful life while maintaining complete security throughout the process.