Confidential waste

What can be recycled?

Any paper which needs to be securely destroyed can be recycled in this route.

The route can also be used for media such as CDs and tapes. Electrical items, such as PCs, should have their data erased and be sent for disposal via the WEEE waste stream (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

There is a substantial fee for destroying confidential material; paper which is not confidential should be placed in the general paper and card recycling bins where it can be recycled at little cost.

Where small volumes of confidential material are produced, using a shredder might be a better and more affordable solution. 

Working Remotely

If you are working remotely away from the College and have confidential waste to dispose of then it is recommended that you use a shredder to shred the waste and dispose of it via your general waste. There are regulations that stipulate what type of shredder should be used depending what type of condifential data you are dealing with. This link provides details on what type of shredders to use to comply with DIN 66399 standard for shredding of secure paper and media shredder requirements

Confidential waste stream

Your responsibilities

• Sensitive material should be kept safe and secure.
• The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK's implementation of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) says that: "Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called 'data protection principles'. They must make sure the information is: used fairly, lawfully and transparently."

How do I arrange disposal of confidential waste?

• Confidential papers are placed in the designated confidential waste bin or into sacks.
• Delivery, collection or exchange of these bins can be requested from the Confidential Waste Disposal Form
• Please note that we will not open the confidential waste bins under any circumstances. Once bins are delivered they must remain locked at all times to ensure the material inside remains secure and confidential. All paper must be fed through the slot in the bin.

Who removes it?

• At South Kensington, Royal Brompton, White City and St. Mary's the Soft Services Support Team will deliver, collect or exchange bins as requested. Full containers are held securely in a locked compound until collected by the contractor. The contractor will service the other loactions.

What happens then?

• The confidential waste is shredded on-site by a licenced contractor and the paper is then recycled at a paper mill. No confidential waste is taken away from site before it is shredded to ensure it is not compromised on route to the final destination.

How green is this waste stream?

• Bins and carts are re-used.
• Everything is put to good use.
• By recycling we reduce our need for raw materials, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint.
• You are helping to protect and improve the environment.

Contacts

efsupportteam@imperial.ac.uk