What are the biggest shredding mistakes?

Asked by: Ms. Amiya Kuhlman DVM | Last update: June 23, 2026

Score: 4.7/5 (9 votes)

The biggest document shredding mistakes often involve security lapses, improper equipment usage, and failing to destroy records in a timely manner. Common errors include using strip-cut shredders that allow for document reconstruction, forgetting to remove staples or clips, and treating sensitive documents as general recycling.

What are common shredding mistakes?

Shredding Only Some Documents

One common mistake businesses make is choosing to shred only a portion of what should be shredded. Most companies know to shred documents with any personally identifying information, such as social security or bank account numbers.

What documents should you never shred?

Of course, there are some important documents you should never shred, such as:

Legal records.
Birth certificates.
Social security cards.
Divorce decrees.
Death certificates.
Wills or living wills.
Marriage licenses or prenup agreements.
Passports.

Can I put olive oil in my shredder?

While olive oil can work as an emergency lubricant, it is not recommended for regular use in a paper shredder. As a vegetable-based cooking oil, it can become sticky over time, causing residue buildup on the blades, clogging the machine, and potentially attracting dust, which leads to overheating.

Should I shred 20 year old bank statements?

Even if they're old statements, they should be shredded. Your name, address, phone number, and bank account information are in those statements, along with your habits, purchases, and banking history. Even if the account is closed, shred it anyway.

The Smartest Way To Get Lean (Shredding Science Explained)

35 related questions found

What is the $3000 bank rule?

The "$3,000 bank rule" refers to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) regulations requiring financial institutions to verify identities and maintain records for cash purchases of monetary instruments (money orders, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks) between $3,000 and $10,000. It is not a direct report to the IRS, but a mandatory recordkeeping requirement to fight money laundering.

How long should you keep medical bills before shredding?

After paying credit card or utility bills, shred them immediately. Also, shred sales receipts, unless related to warranties, taxes, or insurance. After one year, shred bank statements, pay stubs, and medical bills (unless you have an unresolved insurance dispute).

Can you use WD-40 on shredder blades?

No, you should not use standard WD-40 to lubricate shredder blades. While it is a popular misconception, WD-40 is a cleaner/degreaser, not a long-term lubricant, and can cause paper dust to build up, gumming up the blades and jamming the machine. Furthermore, it is flammable and can create a fire hazard when combined with heat from the motor.

What not to put in a paper shredder?

Here are some materials you should not put in your office shredder.

Staples and paper clips. ...
Plastic wallets and laminated documents. ...
Adhesive stickers, tape, or Post-It notes. ...
Non-paper items that could contain confidential information. ...
Receipts, carbon paper, and photographs. ...
Consider the cost of human hours.

What kind of oil should I use to lubricate my paper shredder?

Do not use aerosol oil to oil your shredder. Such lubricants are petroleum-based and can pose a serious fire hazard. Use only vegetable oils such as Fellowes Paper Shredder Oil.

What are the four documents Suze Orman says you must have?

According to Suze Orman, the four essential documents everyone must have to protect themselves and their loved ones are a Revocable Living Trust, a Will, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney, and an Advance Directive for Health Care. These documents ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, avoid probate, and appoint people to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated.

Should old utility bills be shredded?

One of the main reasons to shred old utility bills is to prevent identity theft. Utility bills include personal information that can be used by scammers to open fraudulent accounts in your name. Shredding these documents ensures that no one can misuse your details.

What documents to keep for 7 years?

Keep for 7 Years

Income tax returns.
Any forms that support income or a deduction on your tax return (e.g., receipts, canceled checks, W-2 forms)
Records of selling a house or stock (documentation for capital gains tax)
Records of paid-out loans.
Records of sold investments.
Mortgage documents.

How do I get rid of old bank statements without a shredder?

Cutting up confidential documents with scissors or tearing them by hand is a cheap and easy way to destroy important papers without a shredder. You can also use a hole punch to make printed words and numbers unreadable, such as bank account numbers and addresses.

What is the best way to destroy large amounts of paper?

Pulping involves dissolving paper documents into a slurry or pulp. This method is highly effective for large volumes of paper and ensures that the information is entirely obliterated.

Is there a special technique for shredding?

Shredding includes difficult guitar techniques such as "sweep, alternate, and tremolo picking; string skipping; multi-finger tapping; slurs, [and] trills." Shred guitarists use two - three octave scales, triads, or modes, played ascending and descending at a fast tempo.

Can you leave staples in paper when shredding?

Yes, you can leave staples in paper when using most commercial or industrial shredding services, as they are designed to handle staples and paperclips. For home shredders, small amounts of staples are usually fine, but it is best to remove them to prevent dulling the blades over time.

Can you use olive oil to oil a shredder?

Oils to Avoid

Here are 4 of the most common shredder oils people should NOT use on their shredders. Olive, vegetable, & canola oil - Mainly composed of unsaturated fat, these cooking oils are prone to gumming up and causing residue build-up on shredder blades.

What is the average lifespan of a shredder?

Most shredders last between 5 and 10 years depending on usage and maintenance. Commercial and industrial models can operate much longer when serviced regularly. Key factors influencing lifespan include: Frequency and duration of shredding cycles.

How often should a shredder be oiled?

To keep your shredder working perfectly for years to come, we recommend lubricating your shredder whenever you empty the wastebin or at least twice a month.

How to make a paper shredder work better?

There are several different ways to oil your shredders, you can use oil or lubricant sheets to lubricate your shredder. However, using oil is the easiest way. The shredder should be oiled once every two months to maintain good performance. For best performance, it is recommended that you use Fellowes Shredder Oil.

What oil is best for shredders?

The best oil for a paper shredder is a dedicated vegetable-based shredder lubricant, with Fellowes Powershred Oil being the top recommended brand to maximize performance and extend machine life. Using specialized oil prevents dust buildup and ensures smooth operation for cross-cut and micro-cut machines.

Do I need to keep bank statements from 20 years ago?

Quick Answer. Keep bank statements for at least a full year. If you've used them to document tax deductions or credits, hold onto them for three to seven years. And if you've used them to show fraudulent transactions or bank errors, keep them until your issue is fully resolved.

Is it safe to throw away mail with your name and address on it?

Everyday items like junk mail and address labels, often tossed into trash or recycling bins, hold personal details that criminals can use to steal your identity. With information as basic as your name and address, they can dig deeper, unlocking even more sensitive data.

What records must be kept forever?

Keep Forever

Birth certificate or adoption papers.
Social Security cards.
Valid passports and citizenship or residency papers.
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees.
Military records.
Wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and retirement and pension plans.
Death certificates of family members.