Paper files can contain names, addresses, financial details and other information your organisation must handle carefully. Confidential shredding gives you a planned way to clear records that have reached the end of their retention period. Tell us what needs to go, where it is and how much you have; we will confirm the service available for your job.
One-off clearance or regular collections
You may need a one-off clearance when moving office, emptying an archive or reducing a backlog of paper records. If confidential paper accumulates throughout the year, ask about a regular collection arrangement. Estimate the number of archive boxes, bags or other containers and how often you expect them to fill. We will confirm availability and what is included before you book.
Which documents should be in the batch?
Examples include personnel files, recruitment paperwork, customer records, invoices, financial statements, contracts and archived correspondence. Check your organisation's retention schedule and authorisation process before releasing records for destruction. Keep documents that must still be retained out of the disposal batch.
Tell us if the material includes binders, unusual packaging or non-paper items. Do not assume electronic storage, CDs or drives can go into the same paper process. We will explain how to prepare the material and whether separate handling is needed.
On-site or off-site shredding
On-site shredding may suit a policy requiring someone from your team to witness destruction at your premises. Off-site shredding involves collection before processing elsewhere. The available option depends on your postcode, volume and site access. Tell us about any witnessing requirement when you request a quote.
Plan the handover and records
Identify where the boxes are stored, who can authorise collection and whether there are loading hours, parking restrictions, stairs or lifts. Ask what handover record and Certificate of Destruction can be provided. We will confirm what the documentation will describe before booking. If your audit process needs a department or batch reference, mention that in the enquiry. Our guide to destruction records can help you plan what to request.
Paper and IT equipment in one clearance
An office clearance may include hard drives and laptops as well as paper. You can describe them in one enquiry, but list each type and quantity separately. Data-bearing devices need a different handling plan from documents. See hard drive shredding and laptop recycling for those services.
Request a paper shredding quote
Send your postcode, approximate number of boxes or bags, whether this is a one-off or regular requirement, and any access, witnessing or documentation needs. We will confirm the available arrangement before you book.