FAQ

 

Are you located in the Gorge?

Gorge Security Shred is the only local shredding company for our area.

 

Why don’t other firms servicing the Gorge use off-site processing?
There has been no local document destruction business in the Gorge before, so naturally customers locally have only been accustomed to the on-site method with shredding trucks. Many document destruction businesses in Oregon and U.S. are planted based or off-site only operations.  Some shredding services use both methods.

 

Is plant based or off-site shredding service as secure as the on-site service?
Off-site shredding is every bit as secure as on-site shredding. The primary advantage to this method is cost. Many large companies insist that their materials be shredded off-site because of problems with noise, parking and the longer length of time on premise, etc.

 

I’m concerned about environmental impacts.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, then local plant-based/off-site shredding is your best choice. The shredded material is baled and recycled. Gorge Security Shred does it’s part to help businesses meet the standards of green business practices.

 

What about environmental education and responsibilities.
Gorge Security Shred promotes resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. This is accomplished by encouraging businesses to shred printed materials that fit their company’s security compliance plans and not to shred the non-sensitive materials. Providing recycling information/education can help fulfill environmental responsibility objectives by increasing the amount of recycling performed in our area.

Do you report to my county for the DEQ earned recycling points?            

Yes, the number of pounds shredded, baled and recycled are reported and credited to your county’s DEQ earned recycling points.

Do you adhere to the highest standards in the destruction of confidential information?
The top rated national organization, NAID, National Association for Information Destruction, concerned with the certification of document destruction businesses who work with the security of documents destruction services, gives equal scrutiny and consideration to both, on-site and off-site shredding.

 

If I use Gorge Security Shred, what is your process?
Confidential material is picked up and transported in our locked vehicles to our secure plant in the Hood River area. A completed and signed Materials Receipt Form is supplied to you prior to our departure from your facility. The destruction of the material is guaranteed to take place within three business days of pick-up. All paper material baled and 100% recycled.

1. Unauthorized access to the designated secure destruction area and client records is effectively prevented.  You     may watch your document’s destruction in the process.  You would remain with a security employee and wear a     visitors badge during the entire time you were witnessing the operation.
2. There is a monitored alarm system in place and utilized when the secure destruction building is occupied or     unoccupied.
3. There is a 24/7 closed circuit camera system monitoring all access points and processing activity in the secure     destruction building. Recordings are retained for 90 days in an organized, retrievable manner.

 

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
Yes, our bonding and employee coverage policies are in excess of a million dollars.  Gorge Security Shred holds all the necessary bonding, licenses and insurance for Oregon and Washington.

 

Do GSS employees have a criminal history background check?
Yes, all GSS employees have a clear criminal history background check on file.

Is the paper shredded in a secure area?
All document storage and shredding is performed in a secure fenced area, within a  secured warehouse, with activated video cameras and an alarm system.

What is a Certificate of Destruction?                                                             

It verifies that Gorge Security Shred has destroyed your information on a specific date and that the contents cannot be reconstructed and will be recycled. It is your way to provide an essential external auditing piece that shows your due diligence in protecting your company information.

What does Gorge Security Shred mean by regularly scheduled service?
Regularly scheduled service is priced based on the size and number of carts or consoles at your location plus the frequency of service. Gorge Security Shred’s lockable carts or consoles are left on your premises, with an initial charge of $7.95, for the collection of materials. We return on a pre-determined schedule to replace your locked container with empty locked containers. Your business sets your frequency from weekly to once a quarter or however often you choose. Please call or e-mail us for your specific service quote.

Do I need to remove staples, paper clips, fasteners and three-ring binders?             

You do not need to remove or sort your material to be shredded. The shredder can work through it all. You would want to remove contents from three-ring binders.  Or arrange with us to provide that service, as we load the material into the carts, for destruction.

Do you require a service contract?
Your best price does not require a contract for service. We have a service agreement that outlines the size and number of lockable containers, the frequency of service and the rate quoted. This agreement gives your company the perimeters of our service. You will know what we will be doing for you and when we'll be doing it. Your satisfaction with our service is our goal and we strive toward long term associations. We can provide a contract for those companies that require it.

Is Gorge Security Shred part of Opportunity Connections, working with people with disabilities?                   

Yes. And did you know that document destruction businesses are successfully operated by other non-profit centers similar to Opportunity Connections throughout the country and twelve of the Oregon’s Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (ORFs) operate shredding services.

Are the employees of Gorge Security Shred paid for by the hour?
Yes, this document destruction business was developed to create employment for the clients of Opportunity Connections.  Time-studies are used to develop equitable wages.

I have material stored in hard to access locations like a basement or a storage unit.  Can you still pick up that material?    

Yes, we can accomplish the task of moving material from hard to access areas by bringing the necessary work force to move the materials to our vans or truck.

Do you provide one-time pick-up or yearly purges of a large amount of papers?                                      

Yes.  Just call to schedule any one-time service you require.                                                                                                              

 

Is Gorge Security Shred part of Opportunity Connections, working with people with disabilities?

Yes. And did you know that document destruction businesses are successfully operated by  other non-profit centers similar to Opportunity Connections throughout the country and twelve of the Oregon’s Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (ORFs) operate shredding services.

 

Is my material reused after it is shredded? I am concerned about environmental responsibilities.

Gorge Security Shred promotes resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. This is accomplished by encouraging businesses to shred printed materials that fit their company’s security compliance plans and just to recycle the non-sensitive materials.   GSS also promotes resource efficiency as the shredded paper is reused by paper mills. Providing recycling information/education can help fulfill environmental responsibility objectives by increasing the amount of recycling performed in our area.

 

I have material stored in hard to access locations like a basement or an off site storage unit.  Can you still pick up that material?

Yes, we can accomplish the task of moving material from hard to access areas by bringing the necessary work force to move the materials to our vans or truck.