Furniture

Redundant furniture and what to do with it

When relocating or refurbishing an office or commercial building, it can be difficult to know what to do with redundant furniture, or dated and broken furniture. Whilst waste disposal was once the only option, there are now a number of easier and more ethical ways to remove bulky or difficult to dismantle office items. Here we share several cost-effective, conscious options for businesses looking to remove old furniture before a move or redevelopment.

Why are more companies choosing to reuse and recycle when relocating?

Once upon a time, the only option for businesses and homeowners looking to dispose of bulky furniture items such as desks, chairs and sofas involved a trip to the tip, or a call to waste disposal to come and take the items away. But now times are changing – and as the focus on renewable energy grows and becomes more important for companies throughout the UK, furniture recycling is growing in popularity. The benefits are also financial – as head-on comparison demonstrates that it’s much more cost-effective to reuse, repurpose or recycle rather than send redundant items to landfill. In 2015, reports showed that Britons threw away over 300,000 tonnes (roughly ten million items) of reusable furniture each year – a figure that has dramatically reduced over the past 18 months. Businesses in particular are quickly learning and taking advantage of the benefits attached to recycling compared with traditional options – and at home, more people choose to donate or opt for sustainable disposal. Yet despite this encouraging trend, there is still a lot of work to do.

Refurbish and repurpose

One popular option for larger companies involves assessing old furniture during a relocation or refurbishment, and considering how it might be dressed up or repurposed for use elsewhere. This can easily save a lot of money and resources usually dedicated to purchasing brand new equipment – and is especially common at present given a number of interior trends making ‘industrial chic’ or ‘retro revival’ popular again. Some interior design companies actually specialise in repurposing and refurbishing old furniture.

Reject landfill in favour of recycling

There are multiple benefits attached to choosing recycling over landfill for businesses on the move. One of the most attractive advantages involves reduced cost – as recycling firms can often charge lower rates for removal and processing compared with councils and traditional waste disposal services. Some charities or repurposing firms will even come and take away old furniture for free – or pay you for the privilege. The second advantage is less obvious – but is of increasing importance to businesses that now need to demonstrate to conscious consumers that they are acting ethically, responsibly and sustainably. Most often recycling is the easiest option – as companies are happy to come and collect items for a fee without quibbling or letting you down as buyers can often do if they change their mind. This ensures a swifter, smoother transition if you’re moving on to new premises or a different space within your existing property.

Looking for reliable furniture recycling services? Learn more about Johnsons Asset Recycling here.