Certificate of Destruction
Every shredding job we complete comes with a signed Certificate of Destruction — your official, auditable proof that sensitive materials were destroyed in full compliance with federal and state regulations.
What It Is
Your Legal Proof of Compliant Disposal
A Certificate of Destruction (COD) is a legally recognized document that confirms your sensitive materials — paper records, hard drives, or other media — were destroyed by a certified provider in accordance with applicable laws.
Privacy Shred issues a signed COD for every single job, regardless of size. Whether you're shredding one box or 500, you'll receive your certificate by email the same day service is completed.
What Your COD Includes
- Date and time of destruction
- Type and quantity of materials destroyed
- Method of destruction used
- Name and signature of certified technician
- Technician certification reference number
- Your company name and job reference ID
- Chain-of-custody confirmation
The Process
From Pickup to Certificate — Same Day
Schedule Service
Book online or by phone. We confirm your appointment and materials list.
Secure Collection
Our certified technician collects your materials and logs them into our chain-of-custody system.
Certified Destruction
Materials are destroyed using certified methods — on-site or at our secure facility.
COD Delivered
Your signed Certificate of Destruction is emailed to you the same day service is completed.
Compliance Requirements
Who Needs a Certificate of Destruction?
Many industries are legally required to document the destruction of sensitive records. A COD is your protection in the event of an audit, lawsuit, or regulatory review.
Healthcare & Medical
HIPAAPatient records, billing files, insurance documents, and PHI must be destroyed and documented to avoid HIPAA violations.
Legal & Law Firms
State Bar RulesClient files, case documents, and confidential correspondence require documented destruction to meet professional responsibility standards.
Financial Services
FACTA / GLB ActAccount records, loan files, and consumer financial data must be properly disposed of under FACTA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Corporate & HR
FACTA / State LawsEmployee records, payroll files, performance reviews, and contracts require secure disposal and documentation.
Government & Public Sector
NIST / FISMAGovernment agencies and contractors must follow strict data destruction protocols and maintain destruction records.
Any Business with Records
Best PracticeEven without a specific mandate, a COD protects your business from liability if sensitive data is ever compromised after disposal.
Backed by NAID AAA Certification
NAID AAA Certification is the highest standard in the data destruction industry. It means our processes, employees, equipment, and facilities are audited annually by an independent third party — so your COD carries real legal and regulatory weight.