If the UK is to reach the net zero goal by 2050, businesses will be key to making that happen. Whilst making the changes to becoming more sustainable might seem hard, there’s a straight-forward solution that many are missing out on: businesses need to stop scrapping or sending their unwanted equipment to landfill and instead extend product lifecycles, finding value in surplus assets whilst contributing to the circular economy. Really, it’s a win-win situation.

New research, commissioned by circular economy expert Ramco, has revealed the shocking number of businesses who still needlessly scrap fully functioning equipment – a missed economic, as well as environmental opportunity.

Research reveals: 1 in 5 businesses send working equipment to scrap or landfill

The research, conducted with independent researcher Censuswide, reveals that 1 in 5 businesses send working equipment to scrap or landfill, but also, alarmingly, shows that nearly half (48%) of these organisations do it because it’s a low effort option. 

Ramco’s research further reveals nearly a third (31%) of Senior Managers in the UK who send unwanted items to scrap or landfill say that being more sustainable is not a priority for their organisation.

Neil Sanderson, Founder and Managing Director of Ramco, says businesses need to act now and take accountability for extending the life of their unwanted equipment: “We’re in a climate crisis and UK business operations are still running in a way that causes so much waste. Shiny new kit is exciting, but the outgoing equipment still holds so much value and, with consideration, can go on to realise its full potential with a new owner.

“What one company considers as being no longer of any use, could actually be a valuable asset to others.”

The benefits of reusing unwanted equipment

For more than 27 years, reuse expert Ramco has been on a mission to stop valuable assets sitting idle, urging businesses to see the value in their surplus assets and extending product lifecycles.

Giving unwanted items a second lease of life, does not only help businesses save valuable storage space and generate a financial return, but also reduces emissions.

Neil explains: “We’ve seen a booming second-hand market in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing. Our customers are buying everything from vehicles, plant and machinery to gym equipment and forklifts. With the cost of doing business continuing to rise, now is a great time to sell redundant assets.”

Outgoing equipment holds precious value

At the beginning of his career, Neil worked in manufacturing for several years and knows exactly what goes into making new equipment: “The raw materials, the energy and labour; all that value is precious, and we believe it should be preserved for as long as possible.

“Of course, organisations need to keep their facilities up to date or bring in more efficient technology, but the outgoing equipment still has potential and holds precious value.”

With some 70% of businesses saying they have working equipment sitting idle, there’s a mindset shift that needs to happen. Neil says: “We need to ensure these assets don’t go into scrap or landfill and instead are rehomed and put back into circulation to fulfil their product lifecycle.”

Finding value in surplus items – where to start

A change like this might feel daunting at first, but it’s actually very simple to implement, and will have a tremendous impact on your business. To start things off, reuse expert Ramco suggests nominating someone to be responsible for managing the outgoing equipment sustainably. If the task is dedicated to one singular person or team within the business, it can help establish accountability. Once you’ve appointed this person or team, Ramco recommends doing a stock take of assets no longer in use, so that they’re able to review what items could be rehomed. 

Once the items that are no longer needed have been identified, it’s best to reach out to a professional disposal organisation, such as Ramco, who can help you assess these assets and manage their reuse solution.

Neil concludes: “Organisations need to embrace the circular economy and see the business potential it offers. Not only can businesses contribute positively to the planet, supporting the UK in achieving its Net Zero target, but they can also find value in their surplus assets – which might have been overlooked up until now.

“Let’s help end wastefulness for good.”