Can I Leave Staples in Documents for Confidential Paper Shredding?
Yes. In most cases, you can leave staples attached to confidential documents before they are collected for secure shredding.
Commercial shredding equipment is designed to process paper with standard staples, making document preparation quicker and easier for businesses.
Do I Need to Remove Staples?
No. Small staples do not usually need to be removed before your confidential paper destruction service.
Leaving staples in place can save time when preparing large volumes of documents for secure disposal.
What About Paper Clips?
Small paper clips can also usually remain attached to your documents. Industrial shredding equipment is designed to handle common paper fasteners alongside paper.
If you're unsure whether a particular item is suitable, contact the Waster team before your collection.
What Should Be Removed Before Shredding?
While staples and small paper clips are generally acceptable, larger or non-paper items should be removed before placing documents into a confidential paper bin.
These include:
- Lever arch file mechanisms
- Ring binders
- Plastic folders and sleeves
- Plastic document covers
- Large metal bulldog clips
- USB drives
- CDs and DVDs
- Other electronic storage devices
Removing these items helps ensure the shredding process operates safely and efficiently.
What Happens to the Staples After Shredding?
After your documents are securely shredded, the paper is sent for recycling.
During the recycling process, metal items such as staples are separated from the paper using specialised equipment. The paper fibres are then processed into new paper products, while the recovered metal can also be recycled.
Need More Information?
If you have questions about preparing documents for confidential paper destruction, or you're unsure whether an item can be placed in your secure paper bin, contact the Waster team. We'll be happy to help.
Check out Waster's Confidential Paper Destruction Bin services for more information.