Shred-it Steps in to Aid University’s Information Security

This article was published in Glasgow Chamber

The University of Glasgow has underscored its commitment to both information security and environmental responsibility with the award of a long-term contract to Shred-it, a world leader in on-site document destruction and recycling.

The three-year deal consolidates Shred-it's current service provision to the centuries-old seat of learning and allows for expansion into other departmental areas which do not yet benefit from its unique secure collection service.

It will also enhance the University's compliance with best-practice corporate governance by ensuring total security for its confidential records, documents and reports.

Shred-it Glasgow is the market leader in on-site destruction in the West of Scotland and is associated with Shred-it of Canada, which has 140 branches in five continents and whose commitment to recycling in its waste removal activities saves 10 million trees every year.

Shred-it Glasgow has now started to install 16 secure recycle "consoles" throughout the University and is rolling out a programme of further installations. Paper placed in the locked consoles is shredded on-site into a fine confetti by powerful cross-cut shredders in its custom-built fleet of vehicles.

Facilities are available to oversee the destruction of the documents and a certificate of destruction is issued at the site. The shredded documents are then turned into a variety of paper products. Every two full loads from Shred-it's consoles is the equivalent of saving a medium-sized fir tree.

Klaas Dykstra, general manager of Shred-it Glasgow, said: "It is an enormous privilege to be associated with the University of Glasgow, a cultural icon which has occupied the intellectual high ground in Scotland since the 15th century.

"We are glad to be able to enhance the University's commitment to regulatory compliance and information security as well as helping it to maintain its excellent environmental and recycling philosophy."

Colin Harvey, of the University's Estates and Buildings Department, said: "We take the integrity of our information very seriously and Shred-it demonstrated that it not only understands and shares our concerns but is able to take practical steps to address them."