In the UK alone, an estimated 1.2 million perfectly good office desks and 1.8 million chairs are sent to landfill every year. 

The problem isn’t that people don’t care, it’s usually because there’s no quick way to pass them on. That’s exactly why Warp It exists. To make it easy for staff to share surplus furniture and equipment instead of chucking them away. Read more about our mission and background.

Here are 10 of the most commonly reused items on Warp It, and why they're worth holding onto.

1. Office chairs

Whether ergonomic or basic, office chairs are always needed. Even if slightly worn, they often just need a clean or a seat cover to feel new again. In fact, seeing an office block being emptied and hundreds of relatively new office chairs being dumped into a skip was one of the key inspirations behind setting up Warp It!

2. Desks and tables

From adjustable desks to conference tables, these items are frequently reused and always needed. Sometimes a simple refurbish can bring tables back to life. For instance, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) saved more than £152,000 by reusing 760 desks. Instead of buying new desks. They replaced only the desktops, keeping the chromed steel frames.

3. Monitors and computer accessories

Working monitors, keyboards, mice, and cables are constantly in demand, especially by schools, charities, and community groups. Because these items are essential but often costly, reusing them helps save money and reduces waste. 

4. Stationery supplies

Staplers, pens, pencils, labels, folders, scissors, sticky notes, paper, notebooks, envelopes, binders, clipboards, the list goes on. These small but essential items are easy to overlook but always needed. Clearances often reveal huge amounts of unopened stationery in pristine condition, and reusing these can significantly reduce unnecessary purchasing and waste. Even basic supplies play a big role in day-to-day office functions.

5. Filing cabinets and storage units

As more offices go hybrid or remote, storage units are often discarded. But many organisations still rely on them for secure physical filing. These sturdy items can last for decades and are especially useful for smaller teams or businesses that haven’t gone fully digital.

6. Whiteboards and notice boards

Popular with education and training providers, these items are easy to redistribute and reuse. Whiteboards are essential tools for teaching and collaborative working, and remain in good condition even after initial use. 

7. Lighting equipment

Desk lamps and floor lights in working condition are perfect for reuse. Proper lighting is vital for wellbeing and productivity, especially in shared or home working environments. Charities and start-ups often welcome donated lighting to reduce setup costs.

8. Kitchen appliances

Items like kettles, toasters, and microwaves are regularly reused. As long as they’re clean, safe, and functional, they’re valuable additions to staff rooms, breakout areas, or shared kitchens.

9. Books and training materials

Even older manuals or books can be useful to others. Training resources often have evergreen content that remains relevant, and many organisations rely on donated books to provide continuous learning opportunities, especially when budgets for new materials are tight. We’ve even seen bibles reused through Warp It!

10. Extension leads and power strips

Small but essential, these are among the most frequently needed in office environments. Power accessories help support functional, flexible workstations, and reusing them helps reduce waste and purchasing costs.

Why reuse through Warp It?

Warp It connects organisations so they can share surplus resources instead of binning them. This helps:

• Cut waste and carbon emissions
• Save money on purchasing and disposal
• Support other departments, charities, and public sector services

Before discarding anything, consider whether it could be reused. Chances are, someone else on Warp It needs exactly what you’re getting rid of.

Anything can be reused through Warp It, as long as it’s safe to do so!

• Take the Warp It tour and find out how to waste less and save more within your own organisation and beyond.
• Read more about the benefits of reusing with Warp It.
• Read how to donate your surplus assets to charity on Warp It.
• Start reusing today and register with Warp It.