It is estimated that millions of tonnes of furniture, including office furniture, end up in UK landfills each year.
A report published by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in 2018 found that around 1.6 million tonnes of bulky waste, including furniture, was discarded in the UK each year. The report also estimated that only around 17% of this waste was reused, recycled or recovered.
While the report did not provide specific data on office furniture, it is likely that a significant amount of office furniture contributes to this waste stream. This is due to the frequent changes in office design trends and the constant need for businesses to update their furniture to keep up with modern standards.
To combat this issue, many businesses and organisations are now focusing on sustainable furniture practices, such as reusing and repurposing old furniture, choosing eco-friendly and recyclable materials, and implementing furniture recycling programs. The UK government is also taking steps to reduce waste and increase recycling rates, including the introduction of a tax on plastic packaging and the development of a national waste strategy.