Executing An Eco-Friendlier Office Relocation

Coordinating an office relocation can be a very challenging task. It takes careful planning and thorough management to get the job done efficiently and on time. The task also requires consideration for the potential environmental impact of your move.

With the importance of sustainability at an all-time high, a relocation coordinator cannot ignore this aspect of the move. Below are some constructive tips on recycling, reusing and reducing waste generated during an office relocation.

Businesses move often in the United States. In fact, industry studies show that corporate moves make up roughly 38% of the total moves each year. With this high number of relocations comes a massive amount of waste. As the workplace is packed up, new furniture is purchased and older items are typically discarded. The waste can add up quickly. If not properly handled, this waste can end up in landfills, which already see 17 billion pounds of office assets annually.

However, avoiding such wastefulness isn’t as difficult as you might think. It begins with introducing robust recycling practices to the office ahead of the move. Months beforehand, a company can make mixed paper recycling totes or wheeled bins available to the employees as desk items are being discarded. Separate boxes might also be included for donatable or reusable items such as binders, folders and more. These office supplies could then be redistributed as needed or given to reuse programs.

Choosing the right moving company is the next step. When procuring these services, it’s important to inquire about the organization’s waste management procedures, along with the moving supplies utilized in the process. For instance, shipping office items in reusable crates instead of cardboard boxes stuffed with plastic wrap can cut back on packing waste. By opting for an organization that is dedicated to more “green” practices, your business can ultimately help reduce relocation waste and better hit sustainability goals.

A final area to focus on when relocating is in office furniture. Moving up in the world often calls for new, superior products and other modernizations. This can be accomplished sustainably. Instead of sending furniture to the landfill, consider reupholstering or refurbishing it for further use. There are many businesses committed to sustainable practices that can handle the refurbishing for you for a wide array of office furniture.

If this option isn’t feasible, be sure to donate the old furniture. Doing so helps protect the environment by preventing further waste and reducing carbon emissions produced during manufacturing processes. Donating also helps by lowering the demand for timber, metals, plastic and fabrics. Furniture could also be decommissioned or disassembled, and the material sent for recycling through eco-friendly removal services.

A company can show its commitment to the environment in several ways. When facing an upcoming relocation, making the right decisions can make a world of difference. For additional information on reducing office relocation waste, please see the accompanying resource.

Resources

https://www.recyclingrulesac.org/docs/Minimize_waste_Office_moves.pdf

https://macrelocations.com/sustainable-decommissioning/

https://macrelocations.com/environmentally-conscious-office-decommissioning/

https://macrelocations.com/the-importance-of-green-decommissioning/

https://intranet.wurkwel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MAC-Decom.pdf

https://www.thechicagogreenbox.com/the-moving-blog/how-to-reduce-waste-amp-recycle-during-a-move

https://www.chipmanrelo.com/minimize-environmental-impact-office-relocation/

https://www.solo.com.au/latest_news/how-to-reduce-waste-during-an-office-relocation/

https://number1movers.ca/how-to-handle-office-waste-disposal-when-moving/

https://divinemoving.com/how-to-reduce-waste-during-a-commercial-relocation/

https://www.promoversmiami.com/ways-to-reduce-waste-and-recycle-when-moving-a-business/