The advent of the digital age has meant that more and more data is processed and stored. It is used for a variety of purposes but the secure data destruction requirements of companies, organisations and individuals are the same: the need to protect your assets and prevent criminal activity.
Different Types of Data
Data can be stored in two ways:
1. IN DOCUMENT OR PAPER FORM.
Examples include:
- Medical records
- Company accounts
- Utility bills
- Personnel files
- Marketing strategies
- Minutes of meetings
- Stock reports
- Bank statements
2. ON AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE that which is capable of storing information.
Sophisticated database, processing and retrieval systems mean that data can easily be stored. Examples include:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Mobile devices
- Smartphones
- Digital cameras
- Printers
- PDA’s
- CCTV recordings
- Smart cards
- MP3 players
- USB sticks
- External hard drives
- CD or DVD ROMs
Data Destruction Legislation
All data, irrespective of its format, is covered by the Data Protection Act. However, data that is stored on electronic devices is also covered by other legislation, as outlined here:
Data Protection Act
The Data Protection Act stipulates that anyone who processes personal data has to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and has a duty to ensure that all data is not is properly destroyed.
Environmental Protection Act
The Environmental Protection Act controls the disposal of wastes to land, water and air, and stipulates that all waste must be transported by a licensed waste carrier and disposed of through licensed waste management site.
Hazardous Waste Regulations
Policed by the Environment Agency, these regulations were incorporated into UK law in 2005 and regulate the disposal of equipment that can be regarded as hazardous including computer monitors. Only an Environment Agency licensed waste site can dispose of equipment of this nature.
Landfill Regulations
The Landfill Regulations control the handling of waste equipment with the objective of reducing the amount of material that is put into landfill.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
The objective of the WEEE Directive is to reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment that ends up in landfill. The cost of recycling and processing electronic equipment at the end of its life is place on the manufacturer or importer.
Shredsec Secure Data Destruction
Shredsec provides secure data destruction services covering paper and electronic media.
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- Our confidential shredding service handles all your document and file destruction.
- Our electronic waste centre handles all your data destruction requirements.
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We are licensed by the Environment Agency as a Waste Carrier. Our license number is CB/FE5453FN.
Contact Shredsec to discuss your secure data destruction.