Confidential waste disposal – all you need to know…

Data breaches and identity theft remain a huge concern. The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and it means that everyone responsible for using personal data must follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’ to ensure the information is:

• used fairly, lawfully and transparently
• used for specified, explicit purposes
• used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary
• accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
• kept for no longer than necessary
• handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

While the majority of data breaches occur in the cyber realm – in 2022, the UK had the highest number of cyber crime victims per million internet users at 4,783, a 40% increase on 2020’s figures – a significant percentage of breaches are still linked to paper records. 

With this in mind, it has never been more important for companies, big and small, to do all they can to ensure their confidential waste is disposed of properly, with importance being placed on complying with current regulations.

DATA PROTECTION ACT

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, all businesses are responsible for the proper handling and disposal of their confidential data to prevent the loss or disclosure of sensitive and personal information. In addition to the possibility of receiving fines of up to £500,000 if this responsibility is breached, it is also likely that these companies will experience bad publicity, which would have an extremely negative impact on their business.

The Data Protection Act states: ‘Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.’

If you do not dispose of your confidential waste correctly, there is no guarantee that the information will not fall into the wrong hands. Once your waste is in the bin, anyone could go looking for it, in the hope of a quick win. This is why disposing of your confidential waste should always be at the top of your list of priorities.

WHAT IS CONFIDENTIAL WASTE?

Confidential waste is any paper waste that contains confidential or sensitive information. This includes:

• Any personal information that can be used to identify individuals (including name, address, financial data or contact numbers)
• Employee application forms, payslips or records of employment
• Invoices and quotes
• Sensitive information regarding physical and mental health information
• Bank details, utility bills, credit reports, cancelled cheques

DEALING WITH CONFIDENTIAL WASTE

Always double check all paper waste before you throw it in the bin to ensure that it doesn’t contain any sensitive or personal information. Any paper waste that does contain such information should be disposed of correctly. We can provide you with the solution you need to take care of these sensitive documents.

Collecting, storing and handling data in a physical format needs careful consideration – simply recycling or shredding files may not be enough. Our confidential waste collection service guarantees to dispose of documents safely, legally and securely. 

As well as being safe, secure and fast, it will also enable you to fulfil your data responsibilities. By investing in correct disposal, you’ll protect yourself from the possibility of costly fines further down the line.

for you to fill with your unwanted sensitive or confidential waste documents. Once full, simply call us to arrange collection and it’ll all be taken care of.

OUR SERVICE TO YOU

• Once you place a confidential waste collection service booking with us, we’ll provide you with 50-litre secure bags, which we sell in batches of 10, for you to fill as and when required. 
• Simply fill and secure with one of the supplied security tags. 
• Request collection at a time that is convenient for you. 
• Your fully verified certificate of destruction / compliance paperwork will be with you shortly after, so you can rest assured that you’ve disposed of your data responsibly.
• Our service is fully secure and hassle-free for you, giving you complete peace of mind. 

WHERE WILL YOUR WASTE GO?

We use Ecogen’s UKSSA-compliant disposal facility, which is based in Hampshire. The facility is Information Commissionaires Office (ICO) compliant, and as the transporting company, we honour the regulations to ensure the transport of the confidential waste requirements are complied with. Check out this video of the confidential waste shredding process!

LET US HELP!

Find out more about our commercial waste management services, read our blog: Managing waste in an office environment or get in touch to discuss your requirements with our friendly team.

Source – gov.co.uk