Don’t Just Toss It: Why Shredding Still Matters

Think cybercriminals are only online?

Some of them are digging through your trash.

It might sound like something from a movie, but it still happens — even in 2025. And if you're tossing out old paperwork without thinking, you might be handing scammers everything they need to impersonate you.

Let’s talk about why shredding still matters — and what to shred before you throw it away.

Why Shredding Is Still Important

Shredding isn’t just about “being neat” or “decluttering.”
It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your identity at home or at work.

Here’s why it matters:

• Scammers go through trash to find financial, medical, or personal information
• Your discarded documents can be used to open credit cards, apply for loans, or file false claims
• Once your data is out there, it’s nearly impossible to get it back

The good news? A good shredder — and a simple habit — can keep all of that from happening.

What You Should Shred (and Why)

Here’s a simple rule to remember:

If it has your name, address, account number, or any personal info (no matter how seemingly trivial) — shred it before you toss it.

That includes:

• Old bank statements
• Utility bills
• Credit card offers
• Medical bills and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
• Pay stubs and tax-related paperwork
• Insurance letters
• Mortgage or loan info
• Anything with your Social Security Number or driver’s license number

Even junk mail can be risky — especially pre-approved credit offers.

What Kind of Shredder Should You Use?

Not all shredders are created equal. If you’re shopping for one, here are a few features to look for:

• Cross-cut or micro-cut shredders — much more secure than strip-cut
• Ability to shred credit cards and staples
• Bin size — choose larger if you shred a lot at once
• Quiet operation — especially for home offices
• Auto shutoff and jam protection

Shredders (Cross-Cut & Micro-Cut)

Below are links to cross-cut and micro-cut shredders. These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

Cross-cut Shredders on Amazon.com

Micro-cut Shredders on Amazon.com

Don’t Fall for These Common Mistakes

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Tossing old papers without thinking
• Leaving stacks of mail or documents lying around for “later”
• Using an old strip-cut shredder (easy for criminals to reassemble!)
• Thinking “nobody would bother with my trash”

You Don’t Need to Be Paranoid — Just Prepared

It doesn’t take much to protect yourself.

A $50–$150 shredder, a few minutes a week, and a little awareness go a long way.

You don’t need to shred everything. But you do need to shred the right things.

Want More Simple Tech Tips?

Visit krichardlabbe.com for more tech tips and videos that help make security feel simple.

Feel free to share this with a friend, coworker, or anyone looking to declutter safely and protect their personal information.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this material. However, Labbe Media, LLC does not assume liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Viewers are encouraged to verify any information before making decisions or taking actions based on it.