Waste to wonder: repurposing office furniture to avoid landfill

The Somerford Alliance Resource Centre (ARC) is the community centre at the heart of Somerford Estate, Christchurch, providing activities and services to the local community, the majority of whom are SNG customers. 

SNG worked with Somerford ARC to refurbish their IT room to provide customers with the opportunity to go online, develop their digital skills and access employability programmes. 

The furniture was showing signs of wear and tear and needed to be replaced. SNG partnered with Waste to Wonder, who recycle good quality furniture and equipment for projects in the UK and Africa, to repurpose old office furniture and make a difference within the community. 

So far, SNG has repurposed over £40,000 of office furniture through Waste to Wonder. In 2024, the Somerford ARC received new furniture and equipment to keep customers connected within their community. 

Chris Hopkins, a Somerford Trustee, commented on the scheme: “We cannot fault our association with Waste to Wonder. They were very helpful and accommodating. We met with them and picked out what we wanted. Everyone at the centre is very pleased with our new furniture, thank you for SNG’s continued support.”