The organisation established itself during a period when several offshore oil companies in the region were reviewing their waste policies. Waste wood, mainly from packaging, was identified as an abundant and valued resource in the area, one that could be transformed in to a variety of useful products. As wood is an easy resource to work with, it has an array of uses it is ideal for providing trainees with a broad range of working experiences.
On average 1,500 tonnes of waste wood is collected and processed at the facility every year, mainly from offshore companies. Wood is graded on arrival and any contamination removed. Suitable clean wood is de-nailed for reuse or recycling. Wood can be used to make a variety of products onsite include garden furniture, nest boxes, bird tables, wildlife products. These products can then be sold to the public providing a valuable source of income.
Wood that is not suitable for crafting into these types of products can be used in the manufacture of chipboard and MDF. About 30 tonnes of wood is processed through the chipping machines each week and can be used as a raw ingredient in these board products or even to heat the workshop.
Trainees, who have autism, downs syndrome, brain damage problems are involved in all aspects of the business, there are opportunities to work with hand and power tools, de-nail wood, construct various products as well as enjoy interaction with fellow trainees, customers, staff and visitors. Some trainees have even used the project as a stepping stone towards full employment.
Wood RecyclAbility is a great example of how an organisation can be a sustainable business whilst providing an environmental and social benefit. After 21 years the future looks even better as plans for diversification into tyre and plastic recycling and the provision of barrel furniture hire for the wedding/corporate market and a further expansion of the premises looks set to build on this success
Since establishing in 1997, We now currently facilitate 468-man hours every week for trainees, we manufacture over 30 different standard products and prevented over 30,000 tons of waste wood from going to landfill, also providing 8,500 tons of wood chip used in the manufacture of fibre board for the construction industry.
Equivalent to nearly 14 Airbus A380 aircraft's!
If you have any clean waste wood needing recycled, we are more than happy to help.
