Dilapidation Project
Last updated: 3.24pm, Thursday 6th November 2025
Our client is playing a leading role in transforming the UK waste sector, driving progress towards a net zero, circular economy by 2050. By converting domestic and commercial waste into high-quality raw materials and energy, they are helping to close the loop on waste while supporting national sustainability targets.
As part of our ongoing partnership, Solis was commissioned to project manage the handover of an office and warehouse facility at Drumhead Road. Sustainability was at the heart of the project, with a focus on reusing, repurposing, and recycling materials to reduce carbon emissions and support local businesses and charities.
DELIVERY
Before maintenance works could begin, the building contents had to be removed. The upper floor contained four fully equipped office cubicles — complete with desks, chairs, storage units, and electrical equipment — much of which was unused due to the pandemic.
Rather than sending this furniture to landfill, our team reached out to local organisations and charities to identify potential recipients who could reuse or repurpose the materials. This initiative not only reduced waste but also supported the community and extended the useful life of the furniture.
We partnered with First Steps Future Training, who collected the majority of the office furniture for use in their trainee upcycling projects. Their trainees repurpose and recycle furniture for donation to local charities, nursing homes, and nurseries, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the process.
Further partnerships included:
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FARE Scotland – Received 25 boardroom chairs to support their employability courses, helping them increase class sizes.
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Royston Youth Action – Accepted a 52-inch TV for use in their after-school gaming activities, enhancing community engagement.
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Local start-up coffee shop – Acquired the final 15 chairs, significantly reducing start-up costs and supporting a new local business.
Throughout the process, no furniture went to landfill a core principle of SOLIS’ circular economy approach.
IMPACT
Through this project, all materials from the Drumhead Road site were successfully diverted from landfill and redirected into the local community. The total items repurposed included:
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14 wooden desks
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18 office chairs
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40 boardroom chairs
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8 cabinets
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6 cupboards
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14 desk drawers
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1 large fridge
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1 plasma TV
In total, these donations saved 2,169 kg of carbon emissions from landfill.
This initiative reflects Scotland’s Circular Economy Route Map to 2025, which targets a maximum of 5% waste to landfill. By prioritising reuse and community support, SOLIS continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable project delivery and social value creation.