Relocating or renovating an office is not simple. Planning ahead of time is necessary to keep it from running smoothly. While packing and moving are normally included in the time table of activities, proper disposal of damaged or worn furniture, supplies, and equipment is often neglected.

Proper waste disposal is important because not all items are cut the same. Some are made from natural renewable resources; others consist of synthetic materials; and few are a combination of both along with chemical elements. Given the diverse mix of supplies and materials, varying disposal measures must be applied. Doing so will ensure that only a small percentage will be forwarded to landfills, where it will take some millennia to decompose; and the bigger percentage will be recycled and upcycled.

Proper Disposal of Furniture, Office Supplies, and Equipment

A big fraction of the office includes furniture, supplies, and equipment. Hence, it is expected that when relocating or renovating, these items will be the first ones considered for disposal to free up space for new ones.

Furniture

There are 3 known ways to properly discard office furniture – donate, resell, and recycle.

  • Donate office furniture to smaller offices or institutions that need additional chairs and tables (to name a few) in their workspace but cannot afford to buy new or castoffs due to budget constraints.
  • Resell pieces still in good condition. Be reasonable with the price though so it can be removed from the office asap.
  • Recycle tattered ones by sending to facilities that will either repair or separate parts and pieces for other purposes.

Remember, office furniture regardless of circumstance can be salvaged. So throwing it away inappropriately is never a wise move.

Office Supplies

Paper, pens, stapler, and all other bits and pieces that make employees work easier, altogether comprise office supplies. The best way to properly dispose these supplies is to separate and segregate similar items. Group all paper products such as folders, planners, and pads; plastic items like pens, organizers, binders, and packs of ink cartridges; and remaining supplies that fall under different categories. Once this is done, send items to proper facilities that will turn these wastes into new valuable and useful pieces including building materials (wood, roofing, and bricks), chairs, bags, toys, and clothing.

Equipment

Like furniture, the same courses of action can be done with equipment. If the plan is to install new computers in the workplace after the relocation and renovation, then resell the old ones. This will help raise money that can be spent for other purposes in the office. But if selling will prove a hassle and cause delay, then donate to firms, organizations, and homes which require the equipment. Nonetheless, if equipment can no longer be sold or donated due to damages or outdated parts, then forward to institutions that will fix it or make use of the still serviceable parts. Institutions include original equipment manufacturer, third party companies involve in this trade, and recycling facilities.

Stop the reckless habit of throwing office furniture, supplies, and equipment. Always consider to donate, resell, and recycle. Find ways to do that within the community; else check the Internet for donate, resell, and recycle opportunities that will be most convenient. Making this extra effort will ensure that the environment is a little less free from wastes piling up in dumping grounds.