ShredPro’s Secure Document Shredding Process

Keeping confidential information safe is vital in today’s business world, whatever your line of work. Not only is the secure storage and disposal of sensitive data essential for compliance with data privacy regulations, but it is also incredibly important for maintaining trust with employees, customers and suppliers.

After the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018, which removed the cap on the fines which the Information Commissioner’s Office could issue, we have seen some of the biggest penalties for data breaches. During 2020/2021, the ICO issued a record amount of £42m in fines.

There are many types of documents that should be stored and shredded securely to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. These include financial documents, medical and legal records, client and supplier documents, staff records, invoices, customer lists, bank statements, personnel files and contracts.

Disposing of such documents via standard workplace waste and recycling bins can come with a high risk, but a professional shredding company like ShredPro can help.

We offer secure, efficient and cost-effective shredding and recycling services all year round to ensure maximum protection of your confidential information while helping the planet, recycling your shredding to reduce the demand for natural resources.

How we improve on traditional document disposal

When confidential information is disposed of in the same way as standard waste, there is a high risk of it being exposed, which increases your chances of a data breach.

Risk is present at all stages:

• The workplace waste bin: When confidential documents are left in a standard workplace waste or recycling bin, they are vulnerable to being picked up by anyone who enters the building, including external visitors. The same is true with the use of rubbish bags and outdoor recycling bins.

• During transportation to the waste processing facility: Confidential documentation can also be at risk during transportation to a waste processing facility. Rubbish collectors and lorry drivers could potentially access your sensitive information.

• At the waste processing facility: At a waste processing facility, workers employed to sort rubbish can easily read, share and steal confidential data contained within your documents.

ShredPro improves on traditional document disposal by doing the following:

• Providing secure waste containers: We have a range of lockable waste containers and security bags available for customers to keep confidential waste safe in the workplace. All consoles, containers and security sacks are delivered and supplied free of charge.

• Providing secure transportation and waste processing facilities: Customers who opt for off-site shredding can rest assured that we lock our containers and lorries to keep information safe in transit. Our shredding depot is equipped with 24-hour CCTV, and your waste is processed as soon as it arrives to further minimise the risk of exposure.

• Employing vetted shredding operatives: ShredPro waste handlers all undergo DBS checks and thorough training to ensure the secure processing of sensitive documentation.

• Providing a certificate of destruction: Whether your waste is shredded on-site or off-site, you will receive a certificate of destruction to confirm that documents have been shredded to industry standards and a level that prevents unauthorised access.

This means that you can demonstrate compliance with data privacy regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to destroy sensitive data in a secure manner.

The Information Commissioner’s Office, which oversees the enforcement of GDPR, says: “You must ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place to protect the personal data you hold.”

The ICO adds: “Deleting records that you no longer need, or are not proportionate to retain any longer, is an essential part of a good records management system.”

A certificate of destruction can help to protect your business from liability and also reduce the risk of identity fraud, with criminals out to steal information from documents like receipts, invoices and bank statements.

How ShredPro securely disposes of sensitive information

ShredPro securely disposes of sensitive information via its on-site and off-site shredding services. We are able to shred up to two tonnes per hour, and all shredding quantities are welcome. Here are our services explained:

On-site shredding:

Our specialised mobile on-site shredding service securely destroys all confidential waste at your premises. You can watch your confidential data being destroyed 40 times quicker than an office shredder and three times faster than some of our competitors.

• Free containers or security bags are supplied for both regular and one-off collections. Boxes, pallets or files can also be collected.
• A DBS and vetted shredding operative will then transport all materials in a secure container to the specially designed shredding vehicle.
• Once on the vehicle, industrial shredders will destroy the material immediately to industry standards.
• Once all materials are securely disposed of, a certificate of destruction is issued while on-site.
• The shredded paper is then removed, bailed and recycled at local paper mills.

Off-site shredding:

With our off-site shredding service, we collect your confidential data and transport it to our secure shredding depot to be destroyed.

• Lockable containers or security bags are supplied for regular collections. Bagged or boxed material can be collected for one-off services.
• Before we leave your site, you will be asked to sign a digital waste transfer note that confirms what we’ve taken away for shredding. A DBS checked and screened shredding operative will then transport all materials in our tracked vehicles to our secure site.
• As soon as your waste arrives at our site, it will be immediately processed through our shredders, in accordance with European Standard EN15713. Our premises are equipped with 24-hour CCTV and have robust perimeter security.
• We’ll issue you with a certificate of destruction that officially confirms your documents and other waste have been securely shredded.
• The shredded paper is then removed, baled and recycled at UK paper mills.

How ShredPro protects your data

In summary, ShredPro follows strict processes to help keep confidential information safe at every stage of the waste disposal process.

We supply our customers with lockable waste containers, provide secure transportation and waste processing facilities and thoroughly vet and train our employees. Our certificate of destruction confirms that documents have been shredded to industry standards and helps you demonstrate compliance with data privacy regulations.

ShredPro’s secure shredding procedures can protect your organisation from the many risks associated with standard document disposal and help you maintain trusted relationships with employees, customers and suppliers.

With ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, we also promote environmentally friendly services and recycle all paperwork.

If you’re looking for a paper shredding company that can provide you with a certificate of destruction, contact us today. We offer a variety of paper shredding services to fit your needs, and we’re committed to protecting your data.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our paper shredding services. We are confident that you will be happy with our services.

“ShredPro have provided a reliable and professional shredding service, supplying neat containers that complement the existing office furniture. Monthly collections are carried out by friendly professional staff who collect and destroy all documents on site erasing any concerns we had regarding security. ShredPro provide a very proficient service and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.”

Becki Morrow
BBC ALBA Broadcasting Corporation