Clearing out an office is a bit of an arduous task. It’s tempting to just hire a skip and chuck the whole lot in. If you’re already seriously considering that, then stop! There are some items that you just can’t dump in a skip and forget all about. With a little planning and organisation, you can be sure that what you’re throwing away isn’t a) harmful to the environment, b) risking the security of your company or c) better off in a new home. So where do you start? Well, taking a full inventory of what you’ve got is a good idea. Reading this guide would be a good idea too, because we’re letting you know what four items not to bin!
Monitors
Monitors are a big no-no for the skip. They can contain substances such as lead, which is just as horrifying as you think it is. Materials like lead can cause huge damage to the environment, with animal and human health being at a great risk if they come into contact with it. Therefore, it’s a must to dispose of these correctly. That way, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ve done the best thing for the planet.
Laptops and Computers
Laptops and computers have a pretty limited shelf life. So when the time comes to upgrade your hardware, it’s easy to just throw your old stuff away. Don’t do this! These office essentials are jam-packed with sensitive information that you don’t want to fall into the wrong hands. Delete any of that first, and then recycle. This way, your information is safe while your old things serve another purpose – either for their parts or used by someone else.
Ink Cartridges
Printer ink is something that an office seems to go through more than anything else. The pile of ink cartridges that accumulates can therefore be quite impressive, so why not donate to a charity instead of throwing them away? That way, your charity of choice can get some much-needed funds while you get them taken off of your hands for free. What’s not to like about that?
Office Furniture
Likewise, recycling your office furniture is a great way of ensuring that it doesn’t just take up room in landfill. Whether it’s through a professional clearance company or a charity, donating your old furniture means that someone else can get a little bit more use out of it. Desks, chairs, shelves – you name it! By getting rid of it responsibly, you’re saving yourself a lot of effort and helping out those who need it.
Out with the Old, in with the New
So before you call that skip company, think about the above. Just chucking stuff out can not only be wasteful but dangerous too. We all want to do our bit to help the planet and our fellow humans, so not consigning your old office supplies to the bin is the right thing to do for any eco-conscious business. Disposing of things ethically and safely involves surprisingly little effort on your part, so what are you waiting for?
Ben Livings is the Founder of one of the capitals leading clearance company – London Office Clearance