New York is the first state to begin a licensing program for document destruction companies. Beginning in October contractors must pay $50 annually and provide proof of no criminal record.

The state is walking a fine line. While we support the idea of preventing criminals from setting up fraudulent document destruction companies; we don't want to see the requirements become so onerous that their main purpose is to prevent new companies from entering the market. With large companies looking to consolidate the industry it is these new entrants that keep the market competitive and prices reasonable for the consumer.