The easiest way for criminals to get your personal information is by going though your trash and recycling. Although it's technically possible to reassemble shredded paper, it's not easy. You can further safeguard documents by separating shredded papers into different bags of trash.

Reviewers say to look for the following when shopping for a paper shredder:

  • Get a cross-cut paper shredder. This type of paper shredder chops paper into smaller bits, and is vastly more secure than a strip-cut paper shredder.
  • Try to get more shredder than you think you need. Paper shredders always have a capacity rating, but you should take these figures with a grain of salt. An eight-sheet shredder can most likely handle two or three sheets of office paper at a time. Paper shredders that can chop up CDs, DVDs and credit cards are a good option if you store data on digital media.
  • Look for an easy-to-empty bin. With cheap shredders, you generally have to take off the motor head to empty the basket. If you don't need to shred a lot of paper, this can save you some money. More expensive shredders have bin drawers or tip-out bins that make emptying a lot more convenient.
  • Almost all shredders have auto-stop/start and reverse modes. Auto-start means the paper shredder kicks on when you insert a piece of paper, so you don't have to turn it on and off. A reverse mode helps clear paper jams.
  • Consider safety features. If you have kids in the house, consider a shredder with safety fingers that stop the blades when touched.
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