There are significant potential environmental and economic savings associated with increased reuse of bulky items. Over 1.2 million potentially reusable bulky items are going to landfill or incineration on the island of Ireland every year. Office furniture in particular is often replaced due to aesthetic and corporate reasons, on an entire office basis, rather than any loss of functionality.

Through reuse, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with both from upstream material management (55% and 65% of typical national emissions) and end of life management (3-4% of total emissions from the average OECD country) are avoided. In economic terms, the Irish government procures millions of euro worth of bulky items every year, giving an opportunity for the public sector to lead by example on this transition.