Secure Uniform Shredding: Protect Your Brand and Data

Whether you’re an employer with a high staff turnover or your team needs replacement safety gear due to general wear and tear, it can be tricky knowing what to do with old work uniforms.  

At first glance, it may seem a simple case of binning or recycling old items of workwear. However, this can result in security risks, data breaches, and a whole host of other issues.  

To ensure your business stays compliant, responsible, and protected, we’ve put together a guide on secure uniform recycling and disposal in the UK. Read on for all you need to know, and don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss our uniform shredding service. 

Why is it important to shred old uniforms? 

No matter the industry, branded uniforms hold a lot of power. They’re immediate identifiers of your business, which is highly beneficial when worn by genuine employees. However, in the wrong hands, uniforms can pose a range of problems.  

Security risks  

If a team member throws an old uniform garment away and another person finds it, your business could be at risk of identity theft and unauthorised access. A criminal may pose as an employee, committing fraud and potentially causing harm to customers. Similarly, somebody wearing a uniform fraudulently may be able to access staff-only areas, which could ultimately lead to reputational damage and potential financial losses. 

Data protection breaches 

Some uniforms feature personal information, such as an employee’s name. Depending on the details on your uniforms, your garments may fall under GDPR guidelines.  

Without shredding or otherwise properly disposing of these uniform items, you may be in breach of GDPR, which can put your business at risk of legal action. Uniform shredding ensures you remain compliant with UK legislation and continue to protect your staff. 

What types of garments require secure uniform disposal? 

Uniforms come in all shapes and forms, so how do you know if your garments require specialised disposal? Here are the most common items that need secure shredding if they become contaminated or damaged beyond repair: 

• Branded items, from t-shirts and jackets to aprons
• Any items with attached ID tags or information
• Emergency services workwear, such as police uniforms or scrubs
• Specialised protective workwear, including hi-vis and flame-retardant garments 

Learn more about identifying when workwear should be replaced or destroyed. 

What are the benefits of using the phs Besafe uniform shredding service?  

At phs Besafe, we know how important it is to protect your team members and your business from fraud. We help organisations of all sizes dispose of old uniforms and workwear safely and securely.  

When you partner with our experts, you can benefit from: 

• Seamless garment collections through our handy locker systems. Simply add a red tag to any item you want to dispose of, and we’ll ensure it’s done properly and compliantly.
• Combined laundry and disposal services that allow us to keep your workwear in top condition. We’ll also let you know when a garment has reached the end of its lifespan, and even replace it for you.
• Peace of mind knowing that we use a barcode system so we can keep track of items and reduce the risk of branded workwear falling into the wrong hands.
• A nationwide service, with local collection and uniform recycling solutions across the UK.
• An environmentally-conscious solution. Uniform shredding is a responsible way to dispose of old garments without contributing to landfill. We’ll shred the fabric into strips or fibres that can then be reused.

• Go on to become insulation 
• Be recycled into new textiles 
• Be sent for energy recovery (unrecyclable materials)

Secure uniform disposal with phs Besafe  

For a uniform shredding service you can rely on, don’t hesitate to contact phs Besafe. Our experienced team will handle your old or damaged uniforms with care, ensuring they are treated responsibly and protecting your employees.  

Get in touch today to see how we can help.