Abstract
Waste management is a significant environmental challenge facing industry today and waste disposal can represent 4.5% of a Company's turnover (ref.1).
A community education project has established a waste disposal route for wood that not only fulfils the need to find a sustainable outlet for waste wood but also provides training and employment for adults with learning difficulties. Wood collected from onshore and offshore facilities is used in the manufacture of saleable garden and household products. The project, now in its 10th year, is a demonstration of the success that can be achieved when a community project fulfils a business need. It provides a recycling option for waste wood which demonstrates good environmental practice and is significantly cheaper than the cost of landfill. The community project benefits as it is provided with a means of generating income which ensures that continued training and employment are provided to members of the local community. Industry benefits from a sustainable outlet for waste wood while fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.
