A Closer Look at Sustainability and Secure Shredding

When most people think about paper shredding, their first thought is often “security.” It’s a critical step in protecting confidential information from identity theft or data breaches. But there’s another benefit that’s just as powerful—sustainability. At DeVries Business Services, we believe that doing the right thing for your business shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. In fact, secure document destruction can play a meaningful role in reducing environmental impact.

Shredding with Purpose: How Sustainability and Security Align

Every year, thousands of tons of paper are discarded without proper recycling or secure disposal. Not only does this waste valuable resources, but it also increases the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. That’s where DeVries comes in.

Our paper shredding services are designed to do both:

• Safeguard your data with NAID AAA Certified destruction processes
• Promote environmental responsibility through paper recycling partnerships

We securely destroy your documents and ensure the shredded material is sent to trusted recycling facilities—keeping it out of landfills and in the circular economy where it belongs.

The Environmental Benefits of Shredding and Recycling

Here’s what happens when you choose DeVries for your shredding needs:

1. Conservation of Natural Resources

Recycling just one ton of paper saves:

• 17 trees
• 7,000 gallons of water
• Over 4000 kilowatts of energy
• 3 cubic yards of landfill space

By recycling shredded paper, we collectively reduce the need to harvest raw materials, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve valuable resources for future generations.

2. Reduction in Greenhouse Gases

Manufacturing recycled paper uses significantly less energy than producing paper from virgin pulp. That energy savings translates into fewer emissions, which helps combat climate change.

3. Waste Diversion from Landfills

Paper that ends up in landfills decomposes and produces methane—a greenhouse gas over 20 times more potent than CO₂. DeVries ensures that shredded paper is properly recycled, diverting it from landfills entirely.

Compliance Meets Eco-Consciousness

Shredding with DeVries doesn’t just tick the compliance box—it supports your sustainability goals, too. Our processes are HIPAA, FACTA, and GLBA compliant, and we provide you with a Certificate of Destruction with every service. That means you can rest easily knowing your documents are being handled responsibly in every sense of the word.

A Local Commitment to a Greener Future

As a trusted shredding and records management partner in the Pacific Northwest, DeVries is committed to improving both business operations and environmental impact. We believe that every secure document destroyed is an opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, greener world.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider, legal office, financial firm, or municipality, we help you uphold the highest standards of privacy—and sustainability.

Ready to Shred Responsibly?

If you’re looking for a shredding partner that prioritizes both data security and environmental integrity, DeVries Business Services is here to help. Call us at (866) 433-4691 or complete the form on this page today to schedule a pickup or learn more about our secure, eco-friendly shredding solutions.