Data Shredding

On-Site ISO 27001 Certified Data Destruction for all types of data items.

Our experienced team of ITAD Engineers provide secure data destruction services for all types of data items including hard disks, mobile phones and tablets, USB sticks and flash memory, CD’s/DVD’s, ID and access cards, film, x-ray and tape; which can be undertaken on- or off-site.

Our Engineers can audit and degauss data carriers and hardware before they leave the Customer's office; and verify that audit again prior to shredding or erasing the data.

On-site.

For total peace of mind, we provide on-site auditing degaussing, erasure and shredding services for all types of hardware and e-waste.

Our specialist on-site shredding equipment operates to cut sizes compliant with DIN 66399 Standards, ranging from 2 x 10mm, to 4 x 15mm, to 20 x 100mm, depending on the Customer’s security requirements.

We invite Customers to observe the entire process, as it happens.

In-Transit Security.

We realise that on-site data destruction is not always possible or necessary, so we employ a range of security measures to secure data and hardware whilst in transit; from point of collection to the time of destruction.

These controls include the use of secure lock boxes, in-transit CCTV and GPS tracking. Our facility is guarded by surveillance systems and security alarms, and work is undertaken in restricted processing areas.

2.5" and 3.5" hard disk drive and tape shredding - cut size 20 x 100mm

Mobile phone, MVME and USB stick shredding - cut size 4 x 15mm

Paper, film, microfiche and x-ray shredding - cut size 2 x 10mm

A bit more info …

What is data shredding?

The term "data shredding” refers to the physical destruction of a data item.

Galaxy shreds all types of data items; including hard disk drives, SSD’s, SD cards, USB sticks, sim cards, access cards, CD’s, DVD’s, tapes, microfiche and x-rays.

The item is passed through a shredder and torn into small fragments. We cut data items to small shred sizes, to ensure that the data is irretrievable. The shredded fragments are then mixed, and then recycled or incinerated, depending on the type of material.

Galaxy utilises different equipment in order to shred each item to an appropriate size. We have mobile shredders, and an industrial shredder which is custom fitted inside a vehicle, powered by a generator, which is capable of shredding hard drives to different sizes as specified by the DIN 66399 Standard.

What cut size can Galaxy offer?

Our standard shred size - for hard disk drives and tapes - is approximately 20 x 100mm square.

We also offer a smaller shred size for SSD's, USB sticks, mobile phones, mini tablets, sim cards and flash memory. We can cut to 4 x 15mm square.

We can shred paper, film, x-rays and microfiche to 2 x 10mm.

We offer all these cut sizes on or off-site.

Why shred on site?

There are several advantages to shredding data on-site.

Firstly, the Customer can observe the entire process for their own peace of mind, and know that all data has been destroyed before it leaves their premises.

Secondly, we offer a dual-audit option. The Customer, or a Galaxy Engineer, can audit the data carriers once, before a second Galaxy Engineer audits the data carriers again to verify that all serial numbers match. We can double check any discrepancy that arises - and seek authorisation from the Customer - before shredding the data. Our Engineers can also degauss the data items inside the building, before they are carried outside to our shredding vehicle.

And lastly; shredding on-site also mitigates against any risk of loss during transport between the point of collection, and off-site disposal.

However, Galaxy does off an off-site service, which is sometimes the preferred option due to space or logistical constraints. The Customer’s data carriers are secured in lock boxes and transported under CCTV surveillance, and the journey is tracked via GPS.

Our shredding facility is monitored by CCTV and BS-EN compliant security alarms; and entrance is only permitted to authorised staff, who are assigned unique access codes.

Both Galaxy’s on- and off-site services are certified against the ISO 27001 Information Security Management Standard.

Can I watch the process?

Yes! Customers are welcome to watch the entire process, from start to finish, as it happens.

What is an Evidence Certificate?

Our Engineers audit all data items and hardware prior to undertaking different data destruction, data sanitisation, disassembly and recycling processes.

This audit can be undertaken on-site at the Customer’s premises, if an on-site service has been requested.

Typically, our Engineers record the Type, Make, Model, Serial Number and Asset Tag of each item of hardware; and the Type and Serial Number of any data item (e.g. hard disk drive) removed from it. The data item is linked back to the hardware it was removed from using its serial number as a reference.

However, Customers are welcome to specify any additional details they would like recorded: for example, the Customer might like the room or location of each device listed. We can alter the audit template and brief our Teams accordingly.

We also offer a “dual-audit” process: the Customer, or a Galaxy Engineer, can audit the data items once, and then a second Engineer will re-audit those data items. We can check that all serial number match before - or review any discrepancies and seek authorisation from the Customers - before shredding.

This audit forms the basis of an Evidence Certificate, which is a document sent to the customer detailing the hardware processed, and confirming the secure destruction, disassembly and recycling of all equipment; processed in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

If the Customer does not need a full audit to be undertaken, then depending on the types of items we are asked to process we can either undertake a simple count, or simply record the weight, as appropriate. A Summary Evidence Certificate will be provided.