Understanding GDPR and Why It Matters
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of data protection laws that came into effect in 2018, designed to safeguard personal data across the UK and EU. Businesses that handle personal information must ensure its security throughout its lifecycle, including proper disposal. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, making secure document destruction an essential business practice.
The Risks of GDPR Non-Compliance
Failing to adhere to GDPR requirements can have serious consequences. Businesses that mishandle personal data, whether through unauthorised access or improper disposal, risk substantial fines – up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover. Beyond financial penalties, reputational damage can be devastating, eroding customer trust and affecting business relationships. Protecting personal data isn’t just a legal necessity; it’s a fundamental aspect of maintaining business integrity.
What Counts as Personal Data?
Under GDPR, personal data is any information that can identify an individual, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and financial details. Sensitive data such as medical records, employment history and legal documentation require even stricter handling procedures. Businesses must ensure that when this data is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed to prevent unauthorised access.
Industries Most Affected by GDPR
Certain sectors handle high volumes of sensitive data and face greater compliance challenges. Industries most affected include:
Healthcare
Medical records contain highly sensitive personal data that must be securely stored and destroyed when no longer needed.
Legal
Law firms manage confidential client information, contracts and case files that require careful handling.
Education
Schools and universities process student records, exam results, and financial data that must be protected.
Financial
Banks, accountants and financial advisors handle sensitive financial and identification data, making secure disposal critical.
The Role of Secure Document Shredding in GDPR Compliance
Simply throwing away old documents is not an option when it comes to GDPR compliance. Businesses must implement secure document shredding processes to ensure that personal data cannot be retrieved or misused. Secure shredding services provide peace of mind by eliminating risks associated with unauthorised access, identity theft and data breaches.
Onsite shredding is particularly effective, as documents are destroyed before leaving the premises, reducing the risk of data exposure. Additionally, businesses should obtain a Certificate of Destruction as proof of compliance, ensuring that legal obligations are met.
SECURALL: A GDPR-Compliant Document Shredding Service
Avena’s SECURALL service offers a reliable and fully compliant solution for confidential waste disposal. With a commitment to security and sustainability, Avena provides:
Onsite and Offsite Shredding
With our onsite shredding service your documents are shredded at your location, ensuring immediate and secure disposal for ultimate peace of mind. However, our offsite shredding facilities are equally secure and are a better option if you either lack the space or don’t wish to have our mobile shredding facility parked outside your premises. Until we collect them, your documents will be held securely in confidential waste bins located in your office, accessible only to authorised keyholders.
Secure Handling
The unmarked vehicles we use to transport sensitive documents to our off-site shredding facility are equipped with GPS tracking and CCTV monitoring. We only use our own security-vetted staff to collect your documents, drive our vehicles and operate the shredding machinery, eliminating any risk of unauthorised or unsecured access.
Certified Compliance
Each shredding session includes a Certificate of Destruction, enabling you to keep accurate records of all secure destruction as proof in the event of an audit.
Environmentally Responsible Disposal
All shredded paper is 100% recycled, aligning with sustainability goals. Because SECURAL separates high-quality office paper waste from other inferior paper and card recycling streams, the pulp it produces is always of the highest quality.
Customised Services
Our versatile service enables you to either have your waste paper collected at regular intervals (best for keeping your offices clutter-free and minimising the risk of data theft) or in bulk (useful for destruction of large quantities of data, for example at a financial year end).
Stay Compliant with Avena’s Document Shredding Services
GDPR compliance isn’t just about data management – it extends to secure disposal as well. By choosing Avena’s SECURALL service, businesses can confidently meet their legal obligations while protecting sensitive information.
Ensure your confidential waste is handled correctly. Contact Avena today to discuss a secure document shredding service tailored to your business needs.
