Schools love recycled plastic lumber

Schools across the UK are looking to increase their sustainability and make their sites more environmentally friendly. It’s the perfect place to teach the next generation about sustainability, especially when the school actively leads by example. We’re seeing a lot of demand for our recycled plastic lumber from the education sector, as schools opt for a greener solution for their building and refurbishment needs.

Our recycled plastic lumber is incredibly versatile – if a potential build would normally use timber, it’s highly likely that recycled plastic can be used as a durable and sustainable alternative. Given that it will never rot, split or splinter, it’s even better than wood in terms of longevity, so better for your pocket and the planet. Using recycled plastic in schools helps to to instil fundamental values in school children, as it provides practical use while highlighting the importance of caring for the planet.

Recycled plastic lumber is educational

Our products are a great way to introduce and promote the principles of sustainability, as schools increasingly foreground environmental issues in their curriculum.

As well as using our planters as ‘smog shields’ to reduce roadside pollution, Goose Green School in London also made great use of our recycled plastic lumber for several self-build projects on site. We especially liked this humpback bridge – further proof that our lumber can be used for anything you can imagine!

Goose Green also used our recycled plastic lumber for raised beds and an outdoor kitchen, enabling the pupils to learn about growing and preparing their own food within a sustainable environment. We reckon that’s a few useful lessons derived from the use of recycled plastic!

Recycled plastic lumber project at Whitmore High School

We were recently contacted by Whitmore High School in Harrow, as it was looking to build some new seating for the students, while also resolving a safety hazard. The school opted for recycled plastic lumber as a safe and sustainable solution. Allan Worfolk, site technician at the school, told us all about the new build:

“The project started as a result of a health and safety issue; trees in our courtyard were circled by bonded gravel held within a steel circle, surrounded by plastic grass. As a new build in 2010, this all looked great for many years. As time went on, the trees grew from the saplings they were into mature trees, spreading their roots in the process. The roots began to crack the gravel and lift some of the steel rings – becoming something of a trip hazard and the gravel lost its appeal as it cracked more. To replace it would be a perpetual occurrence as the trees grew.

“Our Site Manager had the idea of covering the whole area around the trees, taking away the risk and providing extra seating for our students. As a new build all of our existing benches and outdoor seating are made from recycled materials, simply to reduce maintenance and for the longevity. It is also a ‘warm’ material and naturally soft. Having checked the web for possible benches – none of which met our specifications (particularly the sizes) and our budget – we decided to have a go ourselves and the concept was left in my lap to make it into a reality.

“Much measuring and modelling later, a design was proposed and accepted. Having done some decking in another area of the school I went straight to the same company. However, the limited range of choice did not suit my needs. Searching the web further, I came across British Recycled Plastic; the website was easy to access and navigate, it did not take me long to find the stock range and associated pricing. Always a useful place to start. I called the office a few times to discuss the plan and my needs, the staff were so helpful and friendly. It was more of a chat about the project, in which they showed great interest and all my queries were answered.

“I did all the maths and costings, the Site Manager approved everything, and the order was placed. There were further emails regarding delivery dates and processing concerns, all of which were swiftly and professionally dealt with. It all turned up on the given date and the build was on.

“A somewhat tight schedule; four weeks to build and install seven benches. I began the prototype bench to iron out any design flaws. I very soon realised that my woodworkers design and skills did not match the material. It took four days of hard, physical work – not only for me but the machines I was using. So the prototype worked perfectly as a bench, but impractical (in terms of time) in its construction. Back to the ideas/sketch pad and a much simpler design was produced, relying more on suitable mechanical fixings and less on ‘olde worlde’ construction/joints.

“Prototype (mk ii) worked wonderfully. All the leg frames are exactly the same dimensions and construction. The actual seating was pretty much standard length, although two of the trees have been a little more active in their growth and girth so they were given special consideration. The largest bench actually incorporates a modified leg section material for one of the seating planks, just to reduce sagging over such a long unsupported distance, as recommended by your staff. The remaining six benches were completed in the next two weeks.

“Installing the benches was done over the following days, pretty much a levelling process and securing to the ground. They are now in use and students are using them in so many ways; like benches should be used. The benches are approximately 1.6m across the flats, and I have seen more than eight students on one bench at a time. The material is doing everything we hoped it would and it has made an aesthetic and positive impact on our courtyard area.”

As you can see from the pics, the finished job looks superb, and we were very glad to hear that Allan and the team at Whitmore School were happy with BRP’s products and service:

“Your company has really shone, as far as I’m concerned, because everybody that I spoke to was massively helpful. The process was completely transparent from start to finish, and the people that I spoke to were a delight. I can only thank your staff for making a challenge, less challenging. Great service.”

Why choose our recycled plastic lumber?

Our recycled plastic lumber is a durable and sustainable choice for lumber projects. Unlike timber, it won’t absorb water and will never rot, split or splinter. It’s resistant to UV and the growth of mould or algae, so won’t get slimy and will wipe dry instantly. It will never need treating and require no maintenance whatsoever. If you want to hose your recycled plastic lumber down a couple of times a year to get rid of the dust, then feel free, but it won’t suffer if you don’t.

It’s guaranteed for 25 years – although we expect it to last much longer – and at the end of its useful life, it can be safely recycled again. It’s the perfect choice for outdoor constructions, soggy environments and inaccessible corners. It performs exceptionally well in marine environments and bears up brilliantly to salty sea winds, as well as permanent immersion in water. It’s approved for use in SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), so you can be assured that it will cause no harm to the local flora and fauna.

About British Recycled Plastic

Our products can be seen in an array of locations up and down the country, from parks and playgrounds, to hospitality venues and nature trails. Some of our prestigious customers include the NHS, the National Trust, the MoD, and various school and universities throughout the UK.

All of our recycled plastic products are not only incredibly tough and durable, but actively help to dismantle the UK’s domestic waste mountain and keep plastic out of landfill.

Our role in the world of recycling is helping to reduce domestic waste and create products which are useful, long lasting and beautiful. Engineered from 100% British waste, our products are supplied to thousands of organisations and private homes across the UK: we believe they are the very best money can buy. We’re making waste wonderful.

Check out how our products are made here.

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Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team by phone or email: 01422 419 555 [email protected]