Proper document shredding ensures that people and businesses never fall victim to identity theft or fraud through careless handling of confidential information.
Now you may be wondering “Where can I have documents shredded?” You may be in the dark about what to do with shredded documents when you are done processing them. To answer these questions, read on!
This guide will look at what documents need to be shredded, what UK laws guide document shredding, what equipment you will need and finally how to properly shred and dispose of these documents. Let’s get started!
What Paperwork Requires Document Shredding
When it comes to document shredding, business and personal documents that contain confidential information would all qualify.
Business documents for shredding include:
- Client data
- Financial records
- Employee information including employment records, insurance or tax information
- Confidential emails and communications
Personal documents for shredding include:
- Bank account information
- Medical records
- Tax information
- Documents containing signatures
Document Shredding for Legal Compliance
Confidential document shredding and disposal in the UK is a legal requirement covered by a variety of laws including:
- The Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Health And Social Care Act of 2008
- Freedom of Information Act of 2000
For your business to meet UK regulatory requirements, proper shredding and disposal of documents is essential.
The Right Equipment for Document Shredding
Shredders come in three varieties. Each type is classified by the cut they make to the paper they are shredding.
- Strip-cut shredders are the classic shredders we all know. Documents are simply cut into long thin strips. These types of shredders are fine for personal shredding, but not ideal for sensitive documents. A person could still piece together legible documents from the paper waste.
- Cross-cut document shredder units turn paper into fine confetti and are perfect for sensitive documents.
- Micro-cut shredders basically turn paper into powder. This is the ultimate form of secure document shredding.
Preparing Documents for Shredding
- Remove any staples, paperclips or other materials that can damage the shredder blades.
- No documents that have been laminated or bound with any materials should be placed in a standard shredder.
- No credit cards or other plastics.
- Give your documents a once-over to make sure you aren’t shredding documents you need to keep or documents that can just go in the bin.
Some shredders are much more robust and can handle all the exceptions noted above. These units are usually found at professional document shredding facilities like the ones we use for our Storage King Shredding Service.
How To Properly Shred
When you start shredding documents, ensure you load the paper within the shredder’s document limit. Typically, you can place between eight and 20 pages in the shredder’s feeder tray, though this varies by model.
Shredders use a motor, and after extended use, they need a cool-down period. Check your unit’s shredding parameters and adhere to them to protect the shredder’s lifespan and ensure effective operation.
When you are ready to dispose of shredded documents, recycling options depend on your local UK council’s guidelines. Be aware that certain inks or coatings on documents may not be suitable for recycling.
Use Professional Shredding Services
Professional document shredding services make managing your sensitive document disposal much easier. Not only do they have the proper shredding equipment, but they also offer secure disposal of your shredded documents.
Additionally, you will also be issued with a Certificate of Destruction. This is an official document that certifies the safe and proper destruction of your sensitive documents.
Let Storage King Simplify Document Shredding for You
Document shredding is on the surface a simple task, but it can get quite involved, especially when you need to consider both UK privacy laws and local council recycling guidelines when it comes to disposal.
Instead of jumping through hoops, you can just visit Storage King and make use of our professional Shredding Service.
All you need to do is buy some shredding bags from our convenient online Packaging Shop, drop the disposable documents off at your closest facility, and we do the rest. We also issue you with a certificate of destruction via email when done.
If you need to use our self storage service, you can get a free quote to get you started! Visit us today and learn more!
