Old ID cards, from expired driver's licenses to work badges or student IDs, can easily pile up in drawers or wallets. While it may seem harmless to hold onto them, these outdated cards pose a risk if they fall into the wrong hands. 

Personal information, such as your name, photo, and ID numbers, can make you a target for identity theft or fraud. Disposing of old ID cards safely is crucial to protecting your privacy and minimizing these scary risks.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to dispose of old ID cards safely, ensuring your sensitive information stays out of harm’s way. And, instead of learning how to laminate PVC ID card at home we’ll show you why CustomLanyard.net is the perfect place to come if you need to print new ID cards!

The Importance of Proper ID Card Disposal

Old ID cards may seem insignificant once they are expired or no longer needed, but they can still carry sensitive information that puts you or your company at risk. Let’s explore why learning how to dispose of ID cards is so important. 

Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft is a huge concern in the digital age, and discarded ID cards can be a goldmine for criminals. Old IDs often include personal details such as your name, photo, signature, and unique identification numbers, which can be used to commit fraud. 

With this information, thieves can impersonate you, open accounts in your name, or gain unauthorized access to your data. By securely destroying expired IDs, you prevent the misuse of your information and protect yourself from identity fraud.

Safeguarding Company Data

For businesses and organizations, ID cards often provide access to facilities, systems, and sensitive company information. Improper disposal of employee badges, access cards, or visitor passes can lead to unauthorized entry or data breaches, compromising both physical and digital security. 

Hackers or competitors could exploit improperly discarded ID cards to infiltrate secure areas, leading to financial loss, damaged reputation, or legal consequences. Proper disposal methods, such as secure shredding or destruction, ensure company data remains protected and confidential.

Industry Regulations

Many industries are governed by strict regulations regarding data protection and the handling of sensitive materials. Healthcare organizations, for example, must adhere to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), while financial institutions follow PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). 

Failure to comply with these standards can result in fines, lawsuits, and loss of trust from clients or customers. Learning how to dispose of ID cards in a way that’s compliant with industry-specific regulations helps organizations avoid legal repercussions. 

Environmental Responsibility

What are IDs made of, and can they be recycled? ID cards are often made from materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can contribute to environmental pollution if not disposed of responsibly. Improper disposal, like tossing them in the garbage, can lead to non-biodegradable materials ending up in landfills or incinerators, releasing harmful toxins. 

Environmentally conscious disposal, like recycling ID cards through specialized programs or opting for eco-friendly alternatives, helps reduce waste and lessen environmental impact. By prioritizing sustainable practices, individuals and businesses contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Situations Where You’d Need to Dispose of ID Cards

There are many situations where ID cards become obsolete, requiring secure disposal to protect sensitive information and ensure security. Here are some examples of when you’ll need to figure out what to do with old ID cards. 

Employee Turnover or Role Changes

When employees leave a company or change roles, their ID cards are no longer valid. Allowing these cards to remain in circulation poses a significant security risk, as they may grant unauthorized access to restricted areas, systems, or sensitive information. 

Disposing of these cards promptly and securely, such as through shredding or deactivation, helps prevent misuse and ensures organizational security. Employers need to have clear protocols for collecting and destroying cards whenever a staff member is offboarded.

Expired or Outdated Cards

Over time, ID cards such as driver’s licenses, passports, student IDs, or membership cards reach their expiration dates. How do ID cards work if they’re expired? They usually don’t, but they may still contain sensitive personal information that can be exploited for identity theft. 

Outdated cards may no longer reflect accurate information, making them unusable. Learning how to dispose of old ID cards properly ensures your data remains secure and your expired cards aren’t exploited.

Upgrading to New Card Systems

Organizations periodically upgrade to new ID card systems to improve security, efficiency, or functionality. This may involve transitioning to cards with advanced features, such as RFID chips, barcodes, or biometric data. 

During such upgrades, old cards become redundant and must be disposed of securely to avoid unauthorized access or data breaches. Simply throwing away old cards isn’t enough, as their stored information can still be extracted. 

Damaged Cards

ID cards that are cracked, scratched, or damaged often need to be replaced, as they may no longer function properly or meet identification requirements. However, even damaged cards can still contain readable personal data, magnetic stripes, or embedded chips that could be exploited. 

Disposing of these cards responsibly, by destroying both physical and digital elements, ensures your information remains secure. But what’s the right way to get rid of your old ID cards? Let’s talk about how to dispose of old ID cards securely and safely. 

How to Dispose of Old ID Cards: Our Advice on What to Do With Old ID Cards

When it comes to getting rid of old ID cards, it’s essential to ensure they are disposed of securely and responsibly. Following proper steps protects your privacy and is also better for the environment. Here’s how to dispose of old ID cards safely and effectively.

Assess the Type of Card

Before disposing of an ID card, it’s important to determine its type and what information it contains. ID cards can vary widely, from simple laminated cards to those with magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or embedded biometric data. Examples include:

  • Personal IDs: Driver’s licenses, passports, student IDs
  • Corporate IDs: Access badges, work IDs, visitor passes
  • Membership Cards: Gym memberships, loyalty cards, library cards

Understanding the type of card will guide you in terms of how to dispose of old ID cards. Cards with digital components like chips or stripes require additional steps to ensure data is fully destroyed. For more info on card types, check out these guides on PET vs PVC ID cards and laminated vs non laminated ID cards. 

Remove Sensitive Components

If the card contains identifiable data, it’s crucial to remove or neutralize any sensitive components before disposal. For cards with magnetic stripes, scrape off or demagnetize the stripe to erase stored information.

RFID or smart chips can be rendered unusable by drilling through them or cutting them out. If the card has a barcode, it can be scratched off or covered with a permanent marker to prevent scanning, keeping your information and data secure.

Physically Destroy the Card

Destroying an ID card is one of the best ways to ensure it can’t be misused. One option is to use sharp scissors or a box cutter to slice the card into small, unrecognizable pieces. Pay special attention to personal information and digital components.

If you have access to a shredder, that’s another effective option. A cross-cut shredder designed to handle plastic cards is ideal for destroying ID cards. For cards with chips, drilling holes through the embedded technology will get the job done. 

Recycle Where Possible

Many ID cards are made from PVC, a type of plastic that can be harmful to the environment if sent to landfills. While traditional curbside recycling programs often do not accept PVC cards, some specialized recycling services can handle them. 

Check with card manufacturers, as some manufacturers or organizations offer take-back programs for old cards. You can also look for facilities that accept PVC or plastic cards for proper processing and disposal.

Verify Secure Disposal

Once you’ve destroyed the card, double-check to ensure all sensitive data is unreadable. For businesses, partnering with a professional data destruction service can ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Keep records of disposal if necessary, particularly for corporate ID cards or regulated industries.

Need New ID Cards Now?

If you’re figuring out what to do with old ID cards, there’s a good chance you might need to replace them! If you do, CustomLanyard.net is the place to go. We have the best selection of custom ID cards, lanyards, badge holders, and so much more. 

Can you customize ID cards at CustomLanyard.net? Absolutely. Choose from our easy-to-use templates or create a fully custom design from scratch. In just a few clicks, you can customize everything from your card’s size and ID card font through to the design, PVC ID card thickness, and security features. 

If you want to learn more about creating your cards at CustomLanyard.net, check out these how-to guides to get started:

Looking for custom PVC ID cards with no minimum order quantity? Then you’ve come to the right place! With low prices and 24/7 support, there’s nowhere better to source your cards, custom ID card lanyards, and custom badge holders. Explore our top-rated range and start designing today!

Final Words on How to Dispose of ID Cards

That wraps up our guide on how to dispose of ID cards. Properly disposing of old ID cards is a small but crucial step in protecting your personal information, safeguarding organizational security, and promoting environmental responsibility. 

Wondering what to do with old ID cards? It’s best to physically destroy the card, or at least remove sensitive components like barcodes or chips. For businesses, implementing clear protocols for ID card disposal is important for regulatory compliance.

If you need new ID cards, CustomLanyard.net is the place to come. How big is an ID card? We offer fully customizable ID cards in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and designs, from basic cards to more advanced options with high-tech security features. We also have accessories like acrylic badge holders and clear plastic card holders, plus lanyards!

Keep your old ID cards out of the wrong hands, then replace them with quality, secure, affordable cards from CustomLanyard.net!

Want to learn more? Read our guides on why use photo ID badges for employees, advantages of PVC ID cards, and how to choose ID card printer.