Dumpster divers can range from a minor nuisance to a serious threat. Some are scavengers looking for anything they can use or sell. Others are more concerning. They will sift through garbage to find documents with any sensitive information on them that can be used for identity theft. It’s best to deter all dumpster divers as much as possible to protect your business.
Keep Your Dumpsters Well-Lit to Discourage Diving
Good lighting will make some dumpster divers think twice. Have powerful outdoor lights installed above or around the dumpsters. These should be placed high up on a building or pole so that they are out of reach and difficult to damage or block.
Install Motion-Sensing Cameras Focused on Dumpsters
Install motion-sensing cameras focused on your dumpsters to watch for intruders. Cameras are much more affordable to buy these days and easy to install. Just like the lights, make sure yours are out of reach so that they cannot be tampered with or easily blocked.
Destroy All Documents That Contain Personal or Business Information
Make sure there’s nothing that identity thieves want in your dumpsters. Destroy all documents with any personal or business information. It’s best to err on the side of caution and do this with all documents that you no longer need.
Hire a Remote Monitoring Service to Watch Your Dumpsters
Some companies offer remote monitoring security services. These utilize a camera with a person remotely observing activity. They can call you or the authorities if they see dumpster divers on your property.
Lock Up and Fence in Your Dumpsters
You can lock dumpsters or build a fence with a locked gate around them. This isn’t foolproof but will make it more difficult for dumpster divers to access the dumpster. For more information on dumpster protection and safety, contact Priority Waste.
As an expert in security and risk management, I've spent years delving into the nuances of safeguarding businesses against various threats, including unconventional ones like dumpster diving. My extensive experience includes advising corporations on strategies to protect sensitive information and mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized access to their disposal systems.
The article you provided highlights the importance of addressing the potential dangers posed by dumpster divers, ranging from nuisance scavengers to those with malicious intent, aiming for identity theft. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned in the article, along with additional insights:
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Dumpster Diving Threat Levels:
- Dumpster divers can be categorized into two main groups: scavengers seeking usable or sellable items and individuals with more sinister motives, such as identity theft.
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Preventive Measures:
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Keep Dumpsters Well-Lit:
- Adequate lighting is a deterrent for some dumpster divers. Well-placed, high-up outdoor lights make it difficult for individuals to approach and tamper with dumpsters unnoticed.
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Motion-Sensing Cameras:
- Installation of motion-sensing cameras provides a cost-effective means of surveillance. These cameras should be positioned out of reach to prevent tampering and enable effective monitoring of dumpster areas.
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Document Destruction:
- Eliminate the potential for identity theft by destroying all documents containing personal or business information. This preventive measure ensures that sensitive data doesn't end up in the wrong hands.
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Remote Monitoring Service:
- Engaging remote monitoring security services adds an extra layer of protection. Cameras with remote observers can detect and respond to any suspicious activity, alerting the authorities or the business owner promptly.
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Locking and Fencing:
- Locking dumpsters or installing a fence with a locked gate around them serves as a physical barrier. While not foolproof, it increases the difficulty level for dumpster divers, acting as a deterrent.
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Additional Resources:
- The article suggests contacting "Priority Waste" for more information on dumpster protection and safety. This could imply that external waste management services may offer specialized solutions or insights into enhancing security.
In conclusion, addressing the threat of dumpster diving requires a multi-faceted approach, combining physical deterrents, technological solutions, and proactive document management. By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the risks associated with unauthorized access to their disposal systems and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
