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As an extension of our logistics and storage operations, Space at Work can now offer a genuine environmentally sound disposal service to our clients.
At the beginning of 2009 we implemented a programme that provides a truly auditable and effective means to recycle furniture and partitioning products.
Our dual approach firstly looks at the re-sale or reuse of the products our customers are looking to dispose, whereby we act as the customer‘s broker and give a return on any product sold. Once these options are exhausted we separate the products into their recyclable elements and, through our network of disposal partners, process these into re-usable materials.
All segregation is carried out at our site in East London and recycling is confined to local partners, thereby reducing the carbon impact of unnecessary transport. This also allows us to maintain a tight audit trail.
Where does it all go:
Material
Veneer and Laminated chipboard
Process
Chipping for recreational paths and play areas. Fuel for CHP power stations and composting components
Percentage Recycled
100%
Material
Steel, aluminium etc.
Process
Reverted back to raw material into industry
Percentage Recycled
100%
Material
Toughen Glass
Process
Reverted back to glass and glass derived products
Percentage Recycled
100%
Material
Plastics
Process
Reverted back to plastics
Percentage Recycled
100%
Material
Fabrics and upholstered product
Process
Not recycled*
Percentage Recycled
0%
Material
Plasterboard
Process
To make new plasterboard. As a key ingredient in cement. An alternative material to make blocks and bricks. As a basic part in the growing of mushrooms. Improving soil quality for farmers
Percentage Recycled
100%
*Due to the relatively small quantities involved it is generally not practical at this stage to recycle these elements of the products.
However if we were faced with a sufficient quantity we have the option to dispose of cloth and upholstery into the rag and paper industry.
As the recycling process creates a new usable product the cost of disposal is reduced, so we are finding that the cost per tonne of recycling is less than that of disposing it in general landfill sites.
We are able to provide documentation and certification for the disposal process for our clients; we also credit back any value of scrap metals on an open book basis.
General Information regarding disposal:
• Plasterboard
Plasterboard contains sulphates and as such it is considered to be hazardous. Therefore, under the new regulations, it needs to be separated from other waste products and disposed of in a separate containment tank at a licenced waste disposal site.
• Landfill tax
The standard rate for tax on land fill is £40.00 per tonne 2009-2010, this will increase by £8.00 per tonne each year until at least 2011.
• Cardboard
Space at Work have recycled all of their cardboard since 2007; we now recycle well over 100 tonnes per annum.
• Carbon Footprint
Shipping used furniture to other global markets such as Africa and Asia is environmentally inefficient when considering carbon emissions from transportation.
• Ethical Impact
Space at Work will always endeavour to specify recycling of furniture with a proven record of durability, such as Unifor, which has a 10 year warranty and uses high grade materials thus aiding recycling.