Page 2 | Shredding solutions?

AshGirl · 2022-09-28T05:56:15+00:00

We have a lot of old correspondence / documents to get rid of. I've not wanted to just dump them in the bin for confidentiality reasons. What solutions do people use? Do you have your own shredder? Should we use a shredding service (expensive!) to clear the back log?

Treetip · 28/09/2022 10:53

AlisonDonut · 28/09/2022 08:54

I've composted mine. I do like making compost though.

I've composted a good 3-4 bookcases full of files, old paperwork from different jobs, old degree notes [I've done 4 degrees and loads of different courses] and when I was off last summer, I took the remaining paperwork and used it to pad out the packing when I moved countries, and then composted all that and then the 100 odd boxes when I got here.

I just rip it into long strips and then layer it with kitchen or garden waste when I take that out.

I do this too.

SatinHeart · 28/09/2022 10:54

If you get a shredder don't get a really cheap one as it'll just jam/overheat all the time and then break! And don't put address labels or anything sticky through it either.

We've been through a bunch of shredders at home, I now go in early and do my shredding at work on the industrial strength one.

Original poster

AshGirl · 28/09/2022 20:34

Midgetwithaplan · 28/09/2022 07:47

I used a shredding service. The first archive box was about £18, every box after that was £4, I just made sure I collected everything together before I went. Could watch it all go through if I wanted and 6 boxes destroyed v quickly!

I've found a local service where I can just turn up with my paperwork, and they will also let me watch it go through the shredder if I want. It's only 60p per kilo which I think is pretty good value.

We will get a shredder but we need to get through the backlog first!

OP posts:

DoodlePug · 28/09/2022 20:40

Put it all in a strong bin liner and fill with water in the bath. Leave as long as is practical then pour out water and tie the bag and bin it or better still compost it.

In future just rip off the part which has your id on it then chuck the rest in the recycling.

DeanStockwelll · 28/09/2022 21:13

nannybeach · 28/09/2022 08:19

Dean,that's a brilliant idea,I have in the past used it for small animal bedding.

Strip shredders are better for that ( I had one before the one I bought at weekend ) as it has more burrowabilty 🐹

chimichangaz · 30/09/2022 13:27

Once you're on top of your backlog, it's easy to use something like this to hide the confidential parts of paperwork and then just put into normal recycling. I do this now I've got over my own backlog.....(sorry for extremely long link....)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Identity-Perfect-Privacy-Protection-Refills/dp/B09C8MKBXG/ref=mp ssa 111_sspa?crid=3UWHA0TYR4D2O&keywords=confidential+roller+stamp&qid=1664540626&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjgyIiwicXNhIjoiNC4wNiIsInFzcCI6IjQuMTkifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=stamp+for+confi%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

worriedatthistime · 30/09/2022 14:13

We have a shreeder but it always overheats
If you have a lot you could ask a company that provides this , it was a few years ago but not as bad as I thought
We then use the shreeder as we go ( try to ) so doesn't build up

Original poster

AshGirl · 01/10/2022 14:05

chimichangaz · 30/09/2022 13:27

Once you're on top of your backlog, it's easy to use something like this to hide the confidential parts of paperwork and then just put into normal recycling. I do this now I've got over my own backlog.....(sorry for extremely long link....)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Identity-Perfect-Privacy-Protection-Refills/dp/B09C8MKBXG/ref=mp ssa 111_sspa?crid=3UWHA0TYR4D2O&keywords=confidential+roller+stamp&qid=1664540626&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjgyIiwicXNhIjoiNC4wNiIsInFzcCI6IjQuMTkifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=stamp+for+confi%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Love this as an alternative to getting a shredder! Thanks very much

OP posts:

chimichangaz · 01/10/2022 16:56

@AshGirl you're welcome. It's a game changer

innocentfun · 22/05/2023 12:56

samstownsunset · 28/09/2022 07:50

I do something very weird but it works.

If there's loads after a big clear out I put it all in a bath of bleach water for an hour then scrunch up into balls and put in the recycling bin. Bleach messes up the ink and the water turns it to pulp.

I find shredders crap and I don't like burning things in the garden so I came up with this. It works!

ah the wisdom of mumsnet/answer to all problems big and small.
Have just killed my shredder so was looking for a new one as doing as mass clearout.
This sounds like genius.
unless anyone advises against.

strawberryurchin · 22/05/2023 12:59

yes agree with PP about tearing it up then adding bleach or water or something. Invariably I chuck the sensitive ripped bits in the regular bin that food and all other horrid stuff goes in. Not an ideal solution but I can't be bothered to get a shredder - they always go wrong.

innocentfun · 22/05/2023 13:04

caringcarer · 28/09/2022 10:50

I use a shredder. I sometimes shred for 10-15 mins while watching TV in evening. Keeps on top of it but I did burn the first lot in garden before I got shredder.

a good shredder? the two I have wrecked only ran for 2-3 mins before shutting down due to heat trip out. worked again of course after cooling but eventually both just broke with not a lot of use.

innocentfun · 24/05/2023 13:40

weakened and bought another shredder.
I gather they need oiling - came as news to me - I always had the idea "leave well alone".
the book says to use some special oil and should be non aerosol vegetable oil.
I had imagined that I could just use something like GT85 light bicycle oil - it's used for gear and brake cables etc - but this suggests not.
anyone got any views/experience?
don't want to wreck the shredder through lack of maintenance but am always suspicuous of lubes (non sexual) supposedly formulated for special purposes at a usually inflated cost.