Privacy Policy

Last updated: 22 April 2026 · UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018

GTB Paper Shredding takes your privacy seriously. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and the rights you have under the UK GDPR.

Who we are

GTB Paper Shredding is a trading name of G. T. Brooks, operating confidential paper and media shredding services across the Midlands from three depots (Barwell, Leicestershire; Garretts Green, Birmingham; Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire). We are registered with the Environment Agency as an Upper Tier Waste Carrier (licence CBDU340450) and are the data controller for any personal information collected through this website or our services.

Contact: info@gtbpapershredding.com · 01455 697 660

What information we collect

We only collect the information we need to quote, deliver, and invoice our shredding services. In practice, this includes:

  • Contact details you give us when requesting a quote or placing an order — typically your name, company (if applicable), email address, phone number, and service address or postcode.
  • Order details — the quantity and type of material to be shredded, the depot used for drop-off or collection, and any access instructions you provide.
  • Payment information — if you pay by bank transfer, we record the reference so we can reconcile your payment. We do not store card numbers; card payments (where offered) are handled directly by our payment processor.
  • Correspondence — emails, contact-form submissions, and notes from phone calls, kept only for as long as needed to answer your query or deliver the service.
  • Website analytics — anonymous usage data (pages viewed, device type, approximate location) via cookies. See our Cookie Policy for the full list.

Why we collect it (lawful basis)

Under the UK GDPR, we must have a lawful basis to process your personal data. We rely on:

  • Contract — to quote for, arrange, and deliver your shredding service.
  • Legitimate interests — to respond to enquiries, improve our website, prevent fraud, and issue Certificates of Destruction on request.
  • Legal obligation — to comply with our Environment Agency waste-carrier duties, HMRC record-keeping rules, and other UK law.
  • Consent — for non-essential cookies and any optional marketing emails, where you can opt in or out at any time.

How we share your information

We do not sell your data to anyone. We share it only with:

  • Our depot staff and Barwell processing team, so your job is handled and a Certificate of Destruction can be issued.
  • Trusted service providers who help us run the business — our website host (one.com), email service, accounting software, and payment processor — each bound by contract to handle your data securely.
  • UK government bodies (Environment Agency, HMRC, police) where we are legally obliged to disclose information.

How long we keep it

We keep order records and invoices for seven years to meet HMRC and Environment Agency record-keeping requirements. General enquiries that do not become orders are deleted within 24 months. Analytics data is retained for 26 months. You can ask us to delete anything we are not legally required to keep — see “Your rights” below.

Your rights

Under the UK GDPR you have the right to:

  • Ask what personal information we hold about you, and receive a copy.
  • Correct anything that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Ask us to delete your data (subject to the retention rules above).
  • Restrict or object to how we use your data.
  • Withdraw consent for any processing that relies on it.
  • Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk, 0303 123 1113) if you feel we have handled your data improperly.

To exercise any of these rights, email info@gtbpapershredding.com. We will respond within 30 days.

Cookies & tracking

Our website uses a small number of cookies — some essential, some analytics. The full list, including what each cookie does and how to opt out, is on our Cookie Policy page.

Security

We use HTTPS encryption on the website, secure servers for order data, and physical access controls at every depot. Once your material reaches our Barwell processing facility, it is destroyed under locked-chamber conditions and a Certificate of Destruction is issued on request.

Changes to this policy

We update this policy whenever our practices change. The “Last updated” date at the top of the page shows the most recent revision. Material changes will be highlighted on the homepage for at least 30 days.

Questions?

If anything here is unclear, please email info@gtbpapershredding.com or call 01455 697 660 and we will be happy to explain.