06 apr 2026
Do I really need to keep this tax form? Can I just scan and recycle the original contract? Will my insurance accept a digital copy? With iScanner’s new Eco Tips feature, you’ll instantly know how long to store each paper and when it’s safe to recycle, helping you declutter your space and live more sustainably
iScanner has introduced Eco Tips, a feature that helps you understand how long to keep documents. Instead of guessing whether to keep the hard copy or throw it away, you’ll get instant recommendations based on the type of document you scan.
By scanning, exporting, and working with digitized documents instead of constantly printing them, you already reduce paper consumption in your daily life. However, it’s impossible to avoid paper completely. We still deal with paper invoices, contracts, bills, insurances, warranties, manuals, and other records at least from time to time.
These papers occupy our shelves, drawers, and even garages, cluttering our work and living environments. Moreover, storing them can also cost money, especially if you rent an office, where every square meter counts.
At some point, you face the dilemma: whether to throw them away or keep them. Most likely, you’ll decide to keep them just in case, gradually adding more to an already cluttered space. On the other hand, throwing something away too early can cause unnecessary stress or even legal issues.
That’s why knowing how long to keep documents and which hard copies you can safely discard is so important. With the Eco Tips feature, you’ll always know what to do.
It works automatically, with no extra effort required. Simply scan a document with iScanner, and the app will show you a decluttering tip: keep it for a certain number of years or recycle it straight away.
Here’s a quick reminder on how to make a scan in iScanner:
The app will automatically identify the border of your document and snap it.
After your scan is ready, the app will analyze its type and tell you how many years to keep the original for. For instance, if it’s a tax-related document, such as an IRS form or a bank statement, the Eco Tips feature will recommend keeping it for 7 years, as widely recommended to stay on the safe side.
Scanning an independent contract agreement? It’s best to keep it forever.
But if it’s a utility bill, you only need to keep the digitized version. The original can go straight into the recycling bin.
One important note: before scanning, make sure the Background Text Recognition switch is turned on in the settings (it should be on by default).
Whether the retention period has expired or keeping the original isn’t necessary, the best way to help the environment is to recycle them. This gives waste a second life, turning it into new paper.
However, not everything can be recycled. To make the process more mindful, we’ve prepared a new Declutter & Digitize guide with a few important tips on what to recycle and how to live more sustainably. You can check it out here and share it with your family, friends, and colleagues.
