Deciding when to repair and when to recycle your safety products

Here at Oxford Plastics, we’re big on sustainability. Our products are designed with sustainability in mind and 75% of our products can be recycled and many can be repaired so that they can be used again. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide of the top four points to consider when deciding when to repair, reuse or recycle your site safety equipment. For more information on our commitment to sustainability, our sustainability hub includes a wealth of information including case studies and guides.

1. Condition

The first point to consider when deciding whether to reuse, repair or recycle your site safety equipment is its condition. On average our LowPro 23/05 road plates are used for about 20 jobs a year and for 7 years in total. Over that time you should check your site safety equipment every time you use it to see if there is any damage, or areas where the equipment is worn or not fit for purpose. If the equipment is in poor condition you will need to dispose of it properly, either by recovering it for energy, repairing or recycling it.

2. Compliance

Compliance is another key consideration to think of when checking your site safety equipment. It’s important to make sure that all equipment meets the relevant site safety standards and regulations. For example if you’re working on a road, you’ll need to comply with the Safety at Street Works Code of Practice. If your equipment fails to meet safety standards, it should not be used, and should be replaced or repaired where possible.

3. Cost

In any business, cost is an important consideration when considering any activity for your business. In most cases it is more cost-effective to repair your site safety equipment rather than replace it completely. For example our Avalon Chapter 8 Barriers have replacement feet, spigots and reflective strips that are much more cost effective than purchasing a new barrier when any of these elements start to fail.

4. Parts

The availability of suitable parts is another key factor in considering whether to repair, replace or recycle construction equipment. If spare parts are not available, then it may be more practical to recycle or dispose of the equipment and purchase a replacement.

At Oxford Plastics, a wide range of our products have spare parts available making it easy to repair your site safety equipment. The decision to repair, reuse or recycle should take into consideration these factors to make sure that your equipment is in good condition and fit for purpose. Find out more about our approach to sustainability today. Or, for more information contact our helpful team.