More in physical privacy space than the usual post. Whenever I get mail, I shred it before disposal. Whenever I get a package, I black out the label.
But my method for blacking out the labels is basically turning on the gas range and holding the label over it until it turns black. It's not even that good of a method, because I can still see a black-on-black print.
So, I'm wondering if anyone has any better ideas for this sort of thing.
Because many people would take that suggestion and simply light the paper on fire and let it burn. This produces large pieces which are still usually quite legible.
To make the paper burn to ashes as you've said, you have to burn it in an existing fire long enough for it to turn to white ash, and then it's often still required to stir the ashes to break up any remaining large pieces. At that point, yes, it is thoroughly destroyed.