Reducing Waste During Office Moves: How Recycling Furniture Helps

Ida Gorecka • November 12, 2024

Office relocations can be difficult, and one of the biggest hurdles is what to do with unwanted furniture. Each move can result in heaps of discarded desks, chairs, and storage units, items that are often still in good condition. This waste not only adds to disposal costs but also fuels the growing problem of landfill waste.


However, there’s a more sustainable solution that not only eases your moving process but also enhances your corporate responsibility: recycling office furniture. Here’s how choosing this approach can transform your office move into an opportunity for both efficiency and sustainability.

A Growing Waste Problem: The Impact of Office Relocations

In the UK alone, it’s estimated that over 300 tons of office furniture are sent to landfills every single day. The Environmental Audit Committee also highlighted that the UK’s commercial furniture sector generates around 1.2 million tons of waste annually. A lot of this waste comes from businesses relocating offices, leading to a surge in discarded items that could be reused or refurbished.


This traditional “out with the old, in with the new” mentality comes at a steep price, both in terms of cost and sustainability. With sustainability becoming a top priority for many businesses, recycling offers a way to turn this waste problem into an opportunity, and at Coggin SOS, we’re here to change the scene.

Why Choose Office Furniture Recycling?

Office furniture recycling isn’t just about being eco-friendly. It’s also a sound business decision that comes with many benefits:


1. Saving Costs

Disposing of old furniture can be surprisingly expensive. Recycling, however, helps to cut those disposal costs. And it’s not just about getting rid of old items. Opting for refurbised office furniture to outfit your new space can deliver considerable savings. High-quality, second-hand office desks and chairs can cost up to 80% less than buying new, all without sacrificing durability or style.

2. A Practical Approach to Sustainability

With sustainability at the forefront of many corporate policies, opting for refurbished office furniture supports the circular economy. It reduces the need for raw materials and minimises carbon emissions. By partnering with Coggin SOS, you can ensure that your choices align with both your budget and your commitment to responsible practices. 


3. Reliable Quality, Short Lead Times

Time is often tight during an office move, and long lead times for new furniture can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Opting for refurbished office furniture eliminates that problem. At Coggin SOS, we maintain a wide selection of second-hand office desks, chairs, and storage, all ready for immediate delivery. Our furniture has been carefully refurbished to meet high standards, ensuring that it looks and performs just like new, without the delay or high price tag.


This means projects can stay on track and on budget, giving you the flexibility to focus on other important elements of the move. And if you need a specific style or setup, we can help you find the perfect solution from our constantly updated inventory.

A Sustainable Approach to Office Clearances

At Coggin SOS, we are passionate about providing zero-landfill solutions that address common pain points during office relocations. Our comprehensive services are designed to manage office furniture responsibly from start to finish.


1. On-Site Assessment and Collection

Our team conducts detailed on-site evaluations to determine what can be recycled, refurbished, or reused. This early sorting ensures that valuable items are managed properly, avoiding unnecessary waste. Our goal is to make the process as efficient and eco-friendly as possible from the beginning.


2. Refurbishment and Recycling

Items that are still in good condition are carefully refurbished for reuse, while materials that can’t be reused are dismantled and recycled on our site. This method conserves resources and prevents tons of office furniture from ending up in landfill.


3. Local Processing

We focus on local solutions. By processing materials within the UK, we reduce transport emissions and support local job creation in the recycling and refurbishment industry. This local-first approach minimises environmental impact while boosting the UK economy.


4. Transparency and Reporting

We believe in transparency. Each partner receives a detailed sustainability report highlighting waste diverted from landfills, carbon emissions saved, and resources recovered. This data not only tracks environmental impact but also allows businesses to showcase their commitment to greener practices to clients and stakeholders. Reach out to us to find out more about our savings reports and certificates.

How to Make Office Furniture Recycling Part of Your Move

Implementing an effective recycling strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how you can make it work:


1. Conduct an Inventory Audit

Start by evaluating your current office furniture. Identify items that are worth keeping, refurbishing, or recycling. This audit helps reduce waste, uncover potential savings, and identify opportunities for recycling.


2. Partner with Coggin SOS

Choosing a professional recycling partner simplifies the process. At Coggin SOS, we manage everything from office furniture clearance to refurbishment, ensuring that your move meets sustainability goals and aligns with regulatory requirements.


3. Opt for Second-Hand Office Furniture

Outfitting your new space with refurbished, second-hand furniture is a practical, budget-friendly choice. Our wide selection of office desks, chairs, and storage solutions offers the same quality assurance you’d expect from new items, often with warranties to provide additional peace of mind. Feel free to contact us to see what we currently have in stock.


4. Showcase Your Sustainability Efforts

Highlight your commitment to sustainability by sharing your recycling efforts with clients and partners. This can enhance your company’s reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious business, resonating with stakeholders who value green practices.

Benefits Summary of Recycling Office Furniture

  • Lower Disposal Costs: Recycling cuts down on landfill fees and avoids potential fines related to improper disposal.


  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Every desk or chair recycled represents raw materials that weren’t consumed, cutting carbon emissions.



  • Enhanced Client Appeal: Offering eco-friendly office relocations that include recycled office furniture sets you apart as a business that aligns with modern values.

Choose Sustainability with Coggin SOS

What if your next office move could do more than just shift furniture? What if it could serve as a powerful statement about your commitment to sustainability?


By partnering with us for your office furniture recycling and refurbishment, you not only tackle the high costs associated with disposal but also take a proactive step toward environmental responsibility. Our tailored solutions help you reduce waste, comply with regulations, and meet your clients’ growing demands for sustainable practices, all while maintaining a stylish and functional workspace.


Don’t let your office move become another statistic. Get in touch today, and let's discuss how we can assist you in making your relocation both efficient and eco-friendly.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Office Furniture

February 18, 2025
As the end of the fiscal year approaches, many SMEs are facing a familiar challenge-how to use up remaining budgets before March 31st . One area that often gets overlooked? Office furniture. It’s a big expense, and many businesses either put off upgrading or settle for quick, low-quality solutions that don't really meet their needs. But there’s a better way to refresh your office without breaking the bank. Whether you decide to refurbish the furniture you already have or buy high-quality refurbished pieces , there’s an affordable, sustainable solution right at your fingertips. And, by making this choice before the end of the fiscal year, you’re setting yourself up for a smarter, more efficient office in the long run.

Achieving a Sustainable Office: 3 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Office’s Carbon Footprint

By Ida Gorecka • February 13, 2025
Did you know buildings, including offices, are responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions? Many businesses don’t realise that office furniture is a big part of that problem. Consumers are noticing too: 85% prefer eco-conscious brands, and 34% are willing to pay more for sustainable products ( source ). If you’re not thinking about sustainability , you are falling behind. But contrary to what most businesses assume, creating a sustainable office doesn’t mean a huge overhaul or extra costs. In fact, it can save you lots of money. At Coggin SOS, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses go green and we can help you too. Here are three easy steps to help you save both money and carbon emissions on your next office furniture project.

How Facilities Services Can Contribute to a Circular Economy with Furniture Recycling

By Ida Gorecka • February 11, 2025
Our approach to furnishing workspaces is changing as part of a collective effort to reverse the projected 70% increase in global waste by 2050 . Design trends are constantly changing, and as companies race to keep up it can be challenging to keep up with the newest trends in office furniture. However, this constant cycle results in millions of office furniture pieces getting unnecessarily discarded every year when, with the right expertise, they could be repurposed, reused, or recycled. What can we do to reverse this trend? Facility Managers must help to embed circular economy thought processes into procurement and disposal strategies, across the entire supply chain. While recycling paper and reducing energy consumption are common strategies, one area that is often overlooked as a source of sustainable credentials is office furniture. By embracing furniture recycling and refurbishment , facility managers can make smarter , more sustainable choices that help reduce waste, cut costs, and ensure premium-quality office designs, often without the lengthy lead times that accompany new furniture purchases. If you haven’t considered refurbished furniture before, you are in the right place to discover why they should be your obvious choice for your next project. But even if you have considered it, keep reading for valuable insights into how refurbished furniture can improve sustainability initiatives, maximise cost savings, and support long-term business goals.
Share by: