FAQ's

Here are a selection of frequently asked questions about confidential document shredding and the services we provide : 

Q: Do I need a Confidential Document Destruction Service?

A: Companies are required to comply with The Data Protection Act 1998. The legislation places a duty of care on businesses to avoid wrongful use of information held by them.  The secure destruction of archived or old documentation to avoid misuse assists in your compliance with the Act.

To find out the best solution to meet the needs of your company please contact us for details. 

Q: Who is affected by The Data Protection Act? 

A: Since March 2000, all UK businesses holding confidential information on people or other companies are subject to the legislation. Failure to comply with the Act could result in prosecution, a fine or even a prison sentence. 

Q: What is classed as Confidential Information?

A: Any information deemed to contain any of the following : personnel files, social security and PAYE records, accounts, VAT records, customer information, sales enquiries, banking information, credit card details and personal health information. Additionally the Act also encompasses, commercially sensitive information such as : old brochures, sales plans or company reports, which if available to a competitor, could expose the secrets of your success! 

Q: Do I have to prepare my confidential waste in any way?

A: No, Shred4Security Ltd will supply lockable containers or security sacks. Your  staff can fill these directly within your premises. There is no need to remove staples or paperclips, as our machinery shreds the complete file. 

Q: What receipt is provided to confirm the confidential waste has been collected?

A: Our directly employed staff will collect your confidential material in secure sacks or exchange your lockable containers at your premises. At the time of collection our staff issue a Waste Transfer Notice, this confirms the quantity of sacks or containers that have been collected and passed to our driver on that date.

Q: What proof do I have that my documents have been destroyed?

A: Within 1 working day of collecting your confidential material, this will be shredded and processed within our secure facility. Once complete a “Certificate of Destruction” will be posted, this will detail the number of containers or sacks destroyed, collection date and the address from where it was collected.

Q: What happens to the paper after it has shredded?

A: Once the paper has been shredded it is baled. Bales may be made up either entirely of shredded paper or mixed with with other processed paper. The baled paper is then sent directly to a paper mill to be recycled into other products such as tissue.

Q: How will Shred4Security Ltd charge for the service provided? 

A: We offer bespoke solutions designed to ensure we are best placed to meet the needs of your business. Call us to discuss the best solution.

We do not charge for the time we are on your premises, unlike many “on-site” shredding companies.

Q: Does recycling make much of a difference to the environment? 

A: Yes, recycling really can make a difference. It takes approximately one tonne of shredded paper to save around 15 trees and will save approximately two cubic metres of space in the ground. Recycling can save thousands of trees every year. Recycled paper uses around 65% less energy, 50% less water and 72% less air pollution than virgin paper pulp products.

Q: What else can I recycle within the office environment?

A: Shred4Security Ltd will also collect cardboard and specific types of plastic for recycling. This service is carried out on behalf of our parent company Essex Reclamation Ltd.

Shred4Security Ltd. Your key to secure destruction of confidential waste in Essex and surrounding areas including East and Central London