Because "dumpster diving" is a reality, both individuals and businesses must thoroughly destroy all confidential material. It is not illegal for someone to go through your trash; and there are thieves willing to do so in hope of finding information to use against you to their personal gain.

Individuals need to shred their personal and confidential information to protect against identity theft and fraud. A survey by Cal PIRG and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse in 2000 reports:

• on average it costs a consumer 175 hours and $800 to resolve the problem
• it takes two to four years for victims to clear up the resulting problems.

• because you have an "implied contract" with customers that you will protect their personal information, violation could result in legal action
• because California civil code and federal law require it
• to avoid steep fines and stiff penalties for violation
• so the organization will exhibit the highest ethical standard
• to be green - preserve and protect our environment (we recycle all shredded material) .