Most furniture is resource-intensive to produce, and if dumped, takes up large amounts of landfill space. Buying quality furniture that will last or reusing, refurbishing or recycling are all more resource-efficient options.
Office Furniture
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Office Furniture
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Why Recycle?
Office furniture is a recyclable product and with minimal planning it can be reused, refurbished or deconstructed for recycling. This protects the environment by reducing demand for timber, metals and plastics, diverting large amounts of waste from landfill and reducing carbon emissions associated with manufacturing.
Recycled office furniture can be much cheaper for businesses to purchase than new furniture. Reusing or recycling furniture is also a visible way to show that your businesses is serious about conservation and waste reduction.
Recycling Options
Many office furniture retailers and office liquidators will collect or buy used office furniture for refurbishing and resale. Some furniture suppliers offer a collection and recycling service for the furniture at the end of its lifetime (this may incur a fee).
Some charitable organisations and opportunity shops will also accept and /or collect unwanted office furniture on a smaller scale.
What Happens When It's Recycled?
Furniture that is no longer wanted may be reused, refurbished or recycled, depending on its condition.
Reuse: If furniture is a good condition then second-hand office furniture retailers or charity shops can sell it for reuse.
Refurbish: furniture that can't be reused immediately will be touched up. This may involve cleaning the furniture, repairing any defects, replacing worn fabric and painting over any scratches. The furniture is then resold.
Recycle: Furniture that is not suitable for re-use is deconstructed, separated into material streams such as metals, plastics, fabrics and timber, and processed accordingly.
