USPS Secure Destruction

Secure Destruction is a free service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that offers a secure method for handling undeliverable First-Class mail. This service is especially beneficial for customers managing sensitive documents, such as those containing Personal Identifiable Information (PII), financial data, or medical information, while also helping reduce costs and environmental impact.

What is Secure Destruction?

Secure Destruction ensures that any undeliverable First-Class mail is securely destroyed at USPS facilities. Rather than being returned to the sender, mail is processed and eliminated under strict security protocols, preventing any potential unauthorized access.

Lob provides this service at no cost to customers who send First-Class mail, and it can be easily integrated into existing workflows for organizations that regularly deal with undeliverable mail.

Why Use Secure Destruction?

1. Enhanced Customer Security Secure Destruction offers a significant value-add for organizations that handle sensitive customer data, such as PII, financial records, or medical information. By ensuring that undeliverable mail is destroyed securely, companies can maintain compliance with data protection regulations, reduce the risk of breaches, and improve customer trust.

2. Cost Savings Secure Destruction helps customers avoid the financial burden of handling undeliverable mail. For example, companies that do not use this service may need to contract with third-party vendors or allocate in-house resources to manage the destruction of returned mail.

3. Reduce Environmental Footprint Secure Destruction also offers environmental benefits by eliminating the reverse logistics of returning mailpieces to senders. By preventing the need for transportation and manual disposal, carbon emissions are reduced. This aligns with Lob's sustainability mission to minimize the environmental impact of mail processing.

How Secure Destruction Works

Secure Destruction is available exclusively for First-Class letters and snap packs. If your organization sends these types of mail, you can easily enable Secure Destruction through your account page. Once activated, any undeliverable First-Class mail will be securely destroyed at USPS facilities, ensuring your sensitive documents are handled with the highest level of security.

Who Benefits from Secure Destruction?

Secure Destruction is ideal for First-Class mailers, particularly those who manage sensitive information or face significant logistical challenges in processing undeliverable mail. This includes:

• Financial institutions

• Health care providers

• Insurance providers

• Public and private education institutions

• Government agencies

• Utility companies

• Mail service providers

• Legal service providers

Once your organization opts into Secure Destruction, Lob will track your undeliverable mailpieces via USPS scanning events. You will be able to confirm that the mail has been destroyed through these tracking events, offering you peace of mind that your sensitive documents have been successfully processed by USPS.