Guidance reviewed 11 October 2026.
Old payroll records, customer files and paperwork with personal information should not be put into ordinary paper recycling before they are securely destroyed. Confidential paper disposal starts with deciding what can be discarded, then keeping it secure until shredding.
Check retention before throwing files away
Some records need to be kept for legal, tax or business reasons. Others should not be held longer than necessary. Follow your retention policy and check with the relevant person in your business before a file-room clearance. A shredding service cannot decide those obligations for you.
Keep confidential waste secure
Use an appropriate secure collection arrangement and keep access limited. Do not leave open boxes of personal records in a public corridor or unsecured yard. Tell staff which papers belong in confidential waste and which can go through ordinary recycling.
What happens after shredding?
Shredding makes the documents unreadable. Suitable paper can then go to recycling, depending on the material and any contamination. Secure destruction should come first; a recycling bin on its own does not provide the same protection.
Quality Waste includes a Certificate of Destruction with confidential paper shredding. If you need extra reporting or witnessed work, discuss that separately. The certificate is evidence of the service, not proof that every data protection duty has been met.
Files, folders and mixed items
Ask what the service accepts before putting plastic folders, binders, discs or other items into the paper load. Keep hard drives and electronic storage media separate. Data-bearing media collected through our services are shredded, with a Certificate of Data Destruction included.
One-off archives or regular collections?
A one-off shredding collection suits a records clear-out; a regular arrangement can help offices manage paper as it becomes waste. Give us an approximate box count or some photos that do not expose personal information. Our team can help you choose a practical collection.
If the clearance also includes computers or furniture, mention them separately so the relevant recycling services can be included.
Further guidance
Business waste guidance. The GOV.UK sources above primarily cover England; check the relevant regulator’s requirements for Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.