In order to determine how money moves through the office furniture market, we spoke with furniture refurbishers, interior architects and representatives from Haworth. This chart details the complex and varied paths office furniture can take from its inception at a Haworth factory. Soon we'll have a more detailed diagram for you to peruse.
We have been asked why, exactly, putting furniture in landfills is not a solution. This diagram shows how landfills are built and maintained and suggests why landfills might not be the best place for office furniture. Once furniture reaches the landfill, it is interred in sealed cells. Despite the precautions taken to prevent seepage of gas and run-off, there is always some leakage. With office furniture in the mix, this means the release of particles of fiberglass, as well as water-proofing and flame-retarding chemicals, into the surrounding area and - potentially - groundwater. Take a closer look at the anatomy of a landfill at Santek Environmental.
Here is a diagram of the materials most commonly used in office panels - fabric, fiberglass, metal and cardboard. In addition to these materials, many items of office furniture are made with either Medium Density Fiberboard or Particle Board. Soon we will be have a link to a British company's exciting new method of recycling both MDF and PB.
If you are interested in finding out more about exisiting forums for reusing, reselling and recycling office furniture (not to mention all sorts of other items), visit Freecycle and The Minnesota Materials Exchange.
