Reuse of Timber Cable Reels

This contractor is ensuring materials do not go to landfill by finding ways they can be repurposed.

Several timber cable reels were left over from works on site. Several charities, community groups and schools were approached to see if they could make use of the reels. A local secondary school accepted the offer, and 25 cable reels were delivered for use in a Design and Technology class project.

Students were given the task to convert the reels into stools that they could use at home. The head teacher and subject teacher were so pleased with the results that they have asked for more cable reels so that the follow-on year group can undertake a similar project.

The contractor then offered the timber cable reels out to workers on site. One of the trades was in the process of setting up a hobby farm on a smallholding and took four of the reels to provide environmental enrichment for his goats, as they love to climb.

Contributing to a circular economy not only makes the project more sustainable but it also has benefits for communities. Donating materials for re-use follows the waste hierarchy as it is best to re-use materials before choosing to recycle them.