Waste to Wonder, an ethical office clearance provider, has achieved an impressive milestone of sending twenty-four School in a Box (SIB) containers to global charities so far in 2021. The contents of these containers equate to a fair market value £600,000 worth of furniture, weighing over 400 tonnes. 

This milestone is part of Challenge100 which aims to deliver 100 SIB containers in 2021. If achieved, an estimated £2.5 million worth of desperately needed desks, chairs, cabinets and other crucial items will enhance the lives of young people living in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Michael Amos, Managing Director, Waste to Wonder said, “We’re delighted to hit our first Challenge100 milestone. Through businesses ethically clearing their redundant equipment into the programme, their redundant furniture is changing lives. The beneficial impact for young people, the recipient schools and charities work with is immeasurable.”

The need for office clearances is predicted to rise. With remote working appearing to be the future for many, plus the need for safer social distancing, businesses are facing the prospect what to do with their redundant or excess furniture.

Michael continued, “Historically, redundant furniture is sent to our national waste streams, but with communities around the world in need of this reusable equipment, it simply didn’t make sense to us. This disconnect is why we created our flagship School in a Box programme which has so far helped over 900 schools in 19 countries. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds and sharing the difference our customers’ have made.”

Each School in a Box container offers more than furniture to the communities they’re sent to. FAST Romania, a charity that Waste to Wonder has worked with for over a decade, has seen the impact first-hand, and how it can change opportunities for young people.

Daniel Hristea, Founder of FAST Romania, said, “School in a Box is perfect because the second-hand furniture we receive is dismantled. Our young people learn joinery, remedial skills and how to repurpose the equipment too. With these skills, they can get a job and make a better life for themselves. We look forward to continue working with Waste to Wonder.”

In 2020, 47 ‘School in a Box’ containers were sent to charities and schools, with a value of £1.25 million worth of furniture being redistributed. Challenge100 will see those results double, with the positive impact for the environment and these communities substantial. For more information or to get involved, please visit contact us