thyssenkrupp Materials UK donates wood to local community groups

As a mill-independent materials distributor and service provider we attach great importance to the responsible disposal of our materials. We are constantly working to return our products such as stainless steel, aluminum or wood to the materials cycle by recycling large quantities and reusing them elsewhere.

Wood waste from one of our sites in the UK has presented us with greater challenges. The colleagues at thyssenkrupp Materials UK-Northern Ireland have approached numerous recyclers and other potential buyers for the sustainable disposal of their wood packaging in Northern Ireland, but without success. Since there was no question of simply disposing of these materials, a new approach was taken: the surplus wood is donated to local community groups that provide valuable support services throughout the Belfast area.

One of the projects already realized is a cooperation with the local elementary school. Since the school budget was not sufficient to design the outdoor area for the children, all the material needs were covered by reusing saidwood. The school caretaker in charge was able to organize helping hands for the work still needed to implement the project. He arranged for thyssenkrupp Materials UK-Northern Ireland to contact the local "Loughries Men's Sheds" – an initiative that organizes community spaces and activities for men. The meeting place for this are small huts that resemble garden sheds and offer space for exchange and joint activities – so-called Men's Sheds. They help to mitigate loneliness and isolation, but above all they offer fun. www.menssheds.org.uk

When the local Men's Sheds learned what was needed at the school and that thyssenkrupp Materials UK-Northern Ireland was providing wood, it was time to work together to create a sustainable project.

Together, men who meet at the Men's Sheds and thyssenkrupp Materials UK-Northern Ireland wood employees built picnic tables and planting areas for the school children. The picnic tables provided seating for breaks and outdoor lessons when the weather is nice.
The planting area is designed to give children the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn about the environment and sustainability.