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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.

End of Financial Year Facilities Management: How to Use Your Remaining Budget with Refurbished Office Furniture

By Ida Gorecka • March 26, 2025
March is almost over, and for facilities managers and teams, that means one thing: the pressure to allocate your remaining budget before it disappears. You've spent the past year balancing costs and keeping your work schedule running smoothly. Now, with time running out, you face a choice: panic-buy to use up funds or invest in something that delivers long-term value . Too often, last-minute spending leads to low-quality purchases and missed opportunities. But with the right approach and investment, you can update your offerings, improve ESG credentials, and save money long-term. Refurbished office furniture offers an excellent way to achieve all three goals. In fact, the UK's sustainable office furniture market is experiencing a compound annual growth rate exceeding 5% , reflecting a shift towards eco-friendly business practices. Book a no-obligation chat with our team to see how refurbished office furniture could work in your space.

Government Office Furniture Assets: End of Year Investment Strategy with Sustainable Options

By Ida Gorecka • March 24, 2025
The financial year-end is approaching quickly. As budgets are finalised and procurement decisions loom, that familiar "use it or lose it" pressure creates a real dilemma for procurement professionals like you. You need smart investments that deliver genuine value, not hasty purchases that waste resources. While juggling procurement frameworks, sustainability targets, and public spending oversight, you need practical options. Premium refurbished office furniture offers the ideal solution that ticks every box on your procurement checklist while helping you beat that March budget deadline. Let's take a closer look at how this office furniture strategy can turn budget pressure into a genuine win for your department.

Understanding the Circular Economy in Office Furniture: A Comprehensive Analysis

By Ida Gorecka • March 20, 2025
Did you know that the way we design, use, and dispose of old office furniture is at a crossroads? With growing environmental concerns, tightening regulations, and shifting corporate sustainability goals, businesses can no longer afford to overlook the impact of their office fit-outs. The traditional 'take-make-dispose' model is outdated - and it's costing you money.  Modern organisations are shifting toward a more sustainable model , one where office desks, chairs, and storage units are reused, refurbished , or recycled instead of ending up in landfills and polluting our environment. This approach, called the circular economy , is all about getting the most value out of materials while reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions. Find out more about the circular economy and how it relates to your business here . But how does it actually work for your business? Let's break it down.
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