What should be done with classified documents no longer in use?

The appropriate action for handling classified documents that are no longer in use is to destroy them according to established procedures. This process ensures that sensitive information does not fall into unauthorized hands, thereby protecting national security interests. The established procedures typically involve specific methods of destruction that vary depending on the classification level of the documents, ensuring that they cannot be reconstructed or accessed after they have been disposed of.

Storing classified documents indefinitely is not a viable option, as this increases the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Returning documents to the originator or transferring them to another agency may be appropriate in certain situations, but the safest method for documents that are no longer needed is to securely destroy them. This action aligns with both federal regulations and the best practices for handling classified information, reinforcing the importance of maintaining information security throughout its lifecycle.