Which method is recommended for disposing of printed material?

The recommended method for disposing of printed material, particularly sensitive or confidential information, is shredding or burning. This approach ensures that the information is completely destroyed, making it impossible for anyone to reconstruct or access the data. This method is especially crucial for law enforcement and other organizations that handle sensitive information, as it protects against identity theft and unauthorized access.

Recycling, while a responsible practice for non-sensitive documents, does not guarantee that the information contained within the printed material cannot be recovered. Throwing materials in regular trash poses a significant risk because anyone can access discarded documents. Storing in a secure location may be appropriate for some materials that need to be retained, but it does not address the need for disposal when the documents are no longer needed. Shredding or burning decisively eliminates any risk associated with leaving sensitive information exposed.