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A new system called WARPit, waste action reuse portal, is helping organisations and businesses save unnecessary purchasing, free up space and to reduce their carbon emissions by recycling items such as office furniture which is no longer needed.
Local businessman, Daniel O’Connor has an entrepreneurial spirit and says waste management is in his blood as his great grandfather ran a local rag and bone business. Daniel decided to expand the idea of recycling office furniture and equipment. He has created a cost effective online redistribution network, which makes it easy for individuals within an organisation to give away or loan unwanted items to others inside the same organisation or to others.
Northumberland County Council has signed up to the online portal as a 12 month’s trial and since February has seen significant financial savings of £51,000, and the environmental equivalent to 38,444KG of CO2 saved or the planting of 52 trees.
Other organisations that have become involved include local authorities, central government, NHS, universities, colleges and schools, small and medium enterprises and groups with charitable purposes.
WARPit is a national portal that offers a collaborative approach to recycling, and involves working with charities such as Revive who are involved in the transportation and restoration of furniture for re-sale for the council. It provides an alternative to waste disposal and reduces the need for landfill.
Daniel, who has 10 years’ experience in furniture reuse sector said; “Our aim is that WARPit solves all the headaches involved with reusing resources and helps to support charitable activities while doing so. We are a progressive efficient organisation and constantly open to suggestions on improvements.”
By engaging a variety of Third Sector organisations the possibilities of what can be achieved is exceptional.”
The implementation of WARPit will assist the council and several other local authorities in achieving long term environmental goals by making significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Steve Stewart, Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said:
“As an environmentally conscious organisation we are always looking for innovative methods to enable us to reach our goals for the County. The portal provides an excellent opportunity for partnership working which allows organisations to act in a sustainable manner and, at the same time, encourage the growth and development of other organisations as part of the process.”
Charities and third sector organisations are able to join WARPit free of charge by becoming ‘friends’ with Northumberland County Council. This will give them access to view and claim items unwanted by the Council.
Paul Smart, Chief Executive at Revive said: “This system has been an excellent opportunity for Revive. We are working with the Council to help the pilot project on transportation requirements and by working together in this way we are helping to sustain ourselves as a charity. We are able to efficiently combine our transportation of furniture and equipment to offices with our existing charitable work which involves the collection and delivery of low cost furniture to families on low incomes.
We would like to hear from local businesses who want access to low cost, good quality second-hand office furniture.”
For more information on how to participate contact Paul Smart on 07714 950706.
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