Sustainable Office Decomissioning

BGIS Team Members on the Public Sector Client Account developed a comprehensive and sustainable approach to decommissioning old office furniture and materials—integrated within our broader integrated facilities management services across the United States.

The Issue

Many organizations are working to modernize their work environments flooding an already saturated used furniture market.

The Covid-19 Pandemic is accelerating these efforts as companies work to adapt to new workforce expectations.

Traditionally furniture items end up in the landfill as they cannot be recycled as whole units

The Solution

Through a systematic approach to decommissioning that includes redeployment, resale, donation and deconstruction to enable recycling of components and materials.

Our process includes detailed tracking and the use of certified recyclers to provide detailed line of sight and accurate reporting—aligned with structured workplace and project management solutions for portfolio transitions.

By addressing all material and breaking them down into the components we achieve the highest possible landfill diversion rates.

We ensure accurate and detailed sorting of metals: Clean & “Dirty”

Lateral files, storage cabinets and overhead storage bins are clean metal

Furniture and Equipment are separated into components

Work Surfaces: Plastic edge banding is removed from work surfaces and sent for recycling, wood surfaces sent for shredding and incineration

Task Lights: Plastic for recycle, Bulbs hazardous waste, 9 ft. Cord and the main frame

Hanging Folders & Binders: Metal is separated from cardboard ad plastic components

Pilot Program

The initial pilot project identified a 20% savings compared to the traditional approach

Significant increase in diversion rates

Benefits to charities, schools and other local organizations

We also think … it is simply the right thing to do!

Total furniture waste diverted to date across active and completed projects is 1014.98 tons.