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Collaboration with Recycle Scotland reduces furniture waste and supports circular economy
Abertay University has partnered with a recycling organisation to reduce waste across its campus by implementing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for extending the lifecycle of workplace furniture.
Recycle Scotland matches organisations with excess furniture with those seeking a sustainable alternative to buying new. They then repurpose and resell the furniture to various organisations, including many charities in the third sector.
Since 2010, Recycle Scotland has been dedicated to promoting sustainable practices across the UK, working hard to ensure that all collected items contribute to the circular economy.
Initially starting with a handful of office chairs, the partnership with Abertay has now expanded to include a wide range of office furniture.
In the summer of 2024, the university successfully recycled or rehomed 279 individual furniture items, along with miscellaneous items from the University's Kydd Building. This resulted in carbon dioxide equivalent savings of 2,858 kgCO2e—equivalent to the emissions from flying from Glasgow to London 16 times.
Building on this success, the organisation returned to the campus in November 2024 to collect even more unused furniture, much of which would have otherwise been discarded.
Thomas Sloan, Assistant Estates and Facilities Manager, said:
This partnership with Recycle Scotland enables us to responsibly dispose of unwanted furniture. Arranging disposal independently would be costly for the university, but with Recycle Scotland, we can do so efficiently and effectively. This initiative not only saves us money but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability. At Abertay, we strive to maximise reuse and recycling while keeping landfill waste to a minimum. Waste management and recycling are critical components of our environmental strategy, showcasing our dedication to staff and students while encouraging their active participation in our journey toward a more sustainable future.
Michael Sherriff, APUC Framework Account Manager, Recycle Scotland said:
We’re thrilled to team up with Abertay University in their mission to reduce waste and champion sustainability. By responsibly recycling unused furniture, we’ve joined forces to keep items out of landfills and take a meaningful step toward a greener future for the university and its community.
Find out more about Abertay's commitment to Sustainable Development.
