How Shred-It Handles Confidential Paper Waste Disposal

Businesses already face strict privacy and security regulations with GDPR. At the same time, businesses are facing pressure to help reach industry and national net-zero targets. In most cases, these challenges remain separate – but when it comes to the disposal of confidential documents balancing these priorities can be more challenging. Destroying secure information is a critical and non-negotiable aspect of safeguarding sensitive data. But does recycling paper waste containing this data compromise security?

The answer is, it doesn’t need to.

While recycling bins are a common sight in offices, they can pose a significant risk to data security if used incorrectly. But this doesn’t mean secure papers cannot be recycled at all. In this article, we will delve into the challenges of confidential paper recycling, and how a secure information destruction provider, such as Shred-it, can address these challenges and contribute to businesses' green goals.

The Challenges Of Confidential Paper Waste Disposal And Secure Recycling

Businesses across industries generate confidential paper waste, including financial records, employee files, customer information, legal documents, contracts, and healthcare records. Any paper containing sensitive or confidential information should be securely destroyed before being recycled.

The traditional document disposal process involving recycling bins exposes confidential information to various security risks. From unsecured bins to transportation and sorting facilities, the potential for data breaches is significant, as highlighted by this handy infographic. As the average office worker in the UK goes through 6,000 sheets of paper annually1, the recycling bin is a potential goldmine for data thieves. Unsecured recycling bins can leave documents accessible to unauthorised individuals before collection, increasing the risk of information exposure and potential compliance breaches.

Luckily, using a secure document destruction process minimises the risk of security breaches, providing clients with peace of mind and help with their compliance.

How We Securely Recycle Our Customers' Confidential Paper Waste

Shred-it employs a seven-stage secure destruction and recycling process that supports confidential paper waste disposal while ensuring confidential documents are securely recycled.This is how it works:

• Secure collection: Confidential documents are dropped into a secure, locked container, equipped with a tamper-proof compartment. Documents remain protected throughout the collection and destruction process, helping maintain a secure chain of custody.

• Regular service: On a scheduled basis, containers are emptied and all confidential documents are destroyed.

• Certificate of destruction: Customers receive a certificate of destruction, providing an audit trail for compliance with regulations, including GDPR.

• Paper mill processing: Shredded paper is transported to a paper mill for recycling. The fibres are separated and screened, removing impurities and preparing the pulp for ink removal.

• Paper separation: Pulp is made as the fibres of the shredded paper are separated.

• Process screening: The pulp is put through a screening process that filters out impurities and prepares it for  the removal of printing ink.

• Pulp mixture: The recycled pulp is mixed with fresh pulp to manufacture new, high-demand paper products such as tissue, packaging and paper-based materials.

ESG Benefits Of Secure Paper Recycling

Now that we know security doesn’t need to be compromised by secure paper recycling, let’s have a look at why recycling is so important. In sectors such as legal, financial and healthcare, large volumes of confidential paper records are generated every year. Being able to securely recycle these documents can deliver meaningful ESG benefits such as:

1. Environmental impact:
   By recycling and securely disposing of 454,000 tonnes of paper in 2022, Shred-it played a crucial role in environmental conservation2. The recycled paper helps reduce the demand for fresh pulp, conserving natural resources while helping divert paper waste from landfill and supporting a circular economy.

2. Social responsibility:
   Our commitment to secure document destruction aligns with social responsibility by safeguarding confidential information, protecting individuals and organisations from data breaches.

3. Governance and compliance:
   Shred-it adheres to the highest standards of security and compliance, providing your business with a transparent and traceable process. Customers also receive a certificate of destruction after every service.

Recycle Confidential Paper Without Compromise

1. Shred-it Data, Privacy and Sustainability 2023 report (UK consumers)

2. https://www.shredit.co.uk/en-gb/about/social-responsibility/sustainability