What is a good way to get rid of a whole lot of paper that might contain confidential information?

The confidential information might be anywhere among thousands of pages. It’s too great a task to review it all. And it would take a huge amount of time to shred with a little household shredder.

But the possibility is real that someone scavenging recyclable materials could find sensitive information. People put paper into their recycle bins all the time containing plenty of data for identity theft: date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name, the works. They don’t all have to be on the same page as long as they are all there to be found by a determined digger.

Not even doctors’ offices seem to mind putting old patient records in the Dumpster out back, and now you’ve lost control of your personal information, with no such thing as a warning notice to you.

And how much trust do I really want to place in the recycle yard operators if I drive in with boxes of papers?

Is the only option a commercial shredding service? How expensive would that be?

This question is in General. Thank you for staying on topic.