At Office Clearance London, we are immensely proud of the work that we do in clearing and removals from premises. Being able to get rid of old items, appliances, and equipment is very important. However, ensuring that the goods are disposed of properly is even more important. Our business is focused on being as environmentally conscious as we can, having watched our society become aware of the importance of sustainability.

We regularly collaborate with companies and businesses who need to clear out offices and other places of work. Over the years, we have found that these removal/office clearances jobs are vital to building space for modern upgrades and improvements. However, we have also noted a major problem with wastage. Too often, items which are in perfect-to-excellent condition are tossed aside as if they were worthless.

Wastage is a huge problem, often creating a cycle where more natural materials are cut down to create more man-made products. With so many perfectly usable items chucked out and thrown away, we have grown concerned about this cut-and-thrust nature. It is so essential to us that we do not waste items that could be used productively and positively down the line. So, how do we make sure that wastage is reduced? The wastage problem in office and building clear-outs is rising when it should be reducing for the sake of the environment.

When a company commits to an office clearance or removal, it is often a scorched earth policy that is undertaken. Everything that was there previously is now old and thus ‘worthless’ and therefore it should be removed ASAP. Naturally, this is something we disagree with. While we remove anything we are asked to, we know that many of the items we remove are perfectly re-usable.

Despite informing clients of this over the years, we are often instructed to remove them anyway as they are due to be replaced. This wastage problem, not just in offices but in other places of work, is a significant issue. Many landfill sites up and down the UK are filled with items that, with a tiny bit of restoration, could be used for years to come. They would still hold value. Instead, they are thrown into skips, bins and refuse sites.

This is a serious issue, and something that we feel very strongly about overcoming in the future. A case in point came from a recent clearance we undertook at a private school in Wimbledon where Philip at The Study Prep was most helpful in assisting us with this venture.

The Problem

We arrived to clear out said school and were immediately taken aback by how much of the furniture was in fact in good condition. The first thing we were asked to clear out were the students school desks. Upon inspection, though, these were excellent desks! Being somewhat of slightly older person the nostalgia inside me soon surfaced of times gone by in my youth.

They were a classic, old-fashioned wooden design. They looked fantastic although worn due to age, they were a classic piece of history. Surely, they were too good to be simply consigned to the local tip? Due to time constraints on the job, we did not have time to debate with the The Study Prep as to how they could be recycled. So, we were prepared to remove the desks and resigned ourselves to having to take them to our tip facility. Not only was this an incredible waste of good wood; it was a waste of funds as we would need to pay for the ‘privilege’ of dumping some stunning desks. Naturally, we did not want to go through with that – so we looked for a local solution.

The Solution

Looking around for local companies who could benefit, we came across a local wood recycling firm: Riverside Timber Recycling. We showed them photos of the desks and asked if they would be interested. In our mind, it was better the wood was re-used and repurposed as supposed to just being left to rot. The group were happy to take the wooden desks, and we delivered them to the recycling company.

We were delighted to be informed that the desks were recycled and used for a meaningful purpose. Rick from Riverside told us not only were they used but his company runs workshops for the local disadvantaged and disabled community and they had made items like coffee tables, benches etc. Now, there was no guilt on our mind about wasting such stunning and ornate furniture. This was hugely important to us, and something that we focused on when evaluating what to do. We are glad we were able to communicate with this local group, as it ensured we could put these desks to good use.

While we always look to find a successful conclusion and recycle/re-use what we can, it is not always possible. This frustrates us greatly as we strive to be greener and more environmentally friendly as a company.

This time, though, we saved what could have been thousands of pounds worth of wood from being scrapped. Our local community has benefited from this, and we were able to both free up space for our client and ensure that this quality wood did not go to waste. In our line of work, wins like this can feel rare. Instead of feeling distraught about waste, we were able to contribute to the booming wood recycling industry in the UK. All in a few days work, and it is something all that contributed to it can feel very extremely proud about!

If your need your office cleared or relocated please feel free to contact us via our website here: https://office-clearance-london.co.uk/ or via telephone here: +44(0) 207 205 2668