Research into the potential of re-using bulky household waste

The reason for this research was to understand the structure of bulky waste in terms of item type and re-usability, in order to identify the opportunities for the re-use of bulky items across the UK.

National predictions obtained from WasteDataFlow (WDF) reveals that across the UK during 2010/11, some 1,590,000 tonnes of bulky waste was collected at the kerbside or taken to HWRCs. Around twice as much is taken to HWRCs (1,050,000 tonnes) than is collected at the kerbside (540,000 tonnes).

Using this data and estimating the sample findings across all UK kerbside and HWRC bulky waste collections shows that of all bulky waste in the UK, including both kerbside collected and HWRC bulky items), approximately 42% consists of furniture, 19% textiles and 19% WEEE. These estimates are equal to 670,000 tonnes of furniture and 310,000 tonnes each of textiles and WEEE thrown away by householders in the UK annually.

There is a perception held that items, when they reach the HWRC, or are collected at kerbside are no longer fit for re-use, however, this report identifies down to specific product level the substantial amount of products that are potentially reusable. It is hoped that this information can assist in informing re-use organisations, local authorities, and waste management companies of the potential reuse of items that are currently being recycled or disposed of.

For more information please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.officegreen.co.uk/