subject: Eight Reasons to Own A Multimedia Shredder [print this page] Eight Reasons to Own A Multimedia Shredder
Whether you work out of a home office or in a large corporation, chances are you own a paper shredder or at least have ready access to one. But what if you need to destroy something other than paper? While many shredders also accept document fasteners and credit cards, other media types are harder to safely discard. Here are a few reasons why it's a good idea to have a multimedia shredder for your office.
Extra security. Sure, you can just toss an old CD or DVD in the trash. But dumpster diving is one of the top ways criminals get your information. Having a device that can break up CDs into tiny pieces stops your information from getting into the wrong hands.
Convenience. Why own a multimedia shredder when you know someone who does? Besides the added security, it's much more convenient to destroy items on your schedule. It also ensures that it will be properly disposed of in a timely manner. Having a stack of items sitting around, waiting to be shred increases your risk if exposing personal data.
It's the law. In some cases, businesses are legally required to securely discard employee and individual records. Having and using a multimedia shredder guarantees that your office will stay HIPAA and FACTA compliant, no matter what form the information comes in.
Saves time. It is possible to safely destroy items by hand. But cutting up a disk or VHS tape into tiny pieces takes time. It's much faster to toss the item into a shredder and immediately know that the material is safe.
Safer. Have you ever attempted to cut up a CD? Tiny shards fly everywhere. Sharp pieces strewn about or sitting in a plastic trash bag have the potential to cause accidental injury. This is especially true around young children or pets. Multimedia shredders usually have a safety shield over the opening to protect the user from flying pieces.
Versatility. Multimedia shredders can destroy a variety of items. Most common is the ability to take care of credit cards, CDs and DVDs, and 3.5" floppy disks. However, there are also machines out there designed to obliterate 100mb and 250mb Zip disks, 4mm DAT tapes, LS120 Superdisks, DV tape, and VHS tapes. The best machines also accommodate a stack of paper along with the occasional paperclip or staple.
Perfect size. As with regular paper shredders, multimedia devices come in a wide range of sizes. Depending on your shredding needs as well as space available, models run the gamut from compact deskside devices up to giant industrial machines. No matter what you're looking for, there's a perfectly sized model for you.
Environmentally friendly. While media remnants can't usually be recycled, a few shredders offer a separate waste compartment. This allows the plastic to be easily tossed while the paper is recycled.
Overall, a multimedia shredder is an excellent complement to any existing office equipment you may already have. Properly getting rid of all your media waste will help keep your office secure. Check them out today!
