A former banker is now helping to reduce the amount of timber waste going to landfill by recycling it for use by DIY enthusiasts.
Geoff Deans' not-for-profit enterprise, St Albans Wood Recyling, collects waste wood from the construction industry and other producers and sorts it, and anything reusable is sold to the community at affordable prices. The business also offers work, learning and training opportunities for people finding it hard to get paid employment and those from troubled backgrounds.

Said Mr Deans: "We offer a whole range of materials which are suitable for use in home and garden DIY projects. Our recycled timber store has a large range of timber and wood in many different sizes and lengths. The wood is carefully de-nailed and sorted and ready for use in any project. We can even cut the wood to size for a small extra charge.

"Prices are very reasonable and you can reckon that most of the wood is at least 50% of the price you would pay in most DIY stores."

St Albans Wood Recycling is now also building up the furniture-making side of the business, offering a collection of reclaimed wood products such as benches, tables, raised beds, planters and wood ornaments. Shelving units are made to measure from sanded-down scaffold boards.

Mr Deans added that he now wanted to find more businesses and individuals looking for cost-effective solutions for their waste wood.