What is REUSE?

Reuse and recycling are often considered to be the same, but they are quite different.

Reuse – is taking idle goods and materials and using them in their original form, with possibly just a small amount of repair, either for the same purpose or something different.

Recycling – is where an item or waste material undergoes some kind of re-processing to make it into something new.

The UK Government and EU Commission in all their waste strategies agree that there is a hierarchy of how waste should be treated; the most beneficial option environmentally and economically being minimisation, then reuse, recycling, incineration with energy recovery and lastly landfill.

Reusing waste is preferable even to recycling!

Benefits of Reuse

• Saves landfill space
• Doesn’t use up energy or raw materials as new products are not being made
• Reduces waste handling and disposal costs
• Generates an income for charities and other social groups
• Helps those that need reused items like schools, community organisations and members of the public
• Creates opportunities for jobs and training

Why isn't more stuff getting reused?

Many non-reusers fall into six general categories – which one are you?

When throwing (something away)

• Do you throw something away without even thinking it may be of value to someone else?
• Do you know an item could be reused but don't think it is worth the time or energy to send it for reuse?
• Do you feel an item should be reused, but do not know where to take it?

When buying

• Do you only want new goods, even when reused items can be just as good, cheaper and more environmentally beneficial?
• Do you not know the range of reused items and outlets available?
• Do you want to buy specific reused items but don’t know where to go?

What are the opportunities for Reuse?

The community sector offer many services to the general public including

• Repairing and sending tools and bicycles to third world countries
• Repairing and selling second hand furniture and electrical equipment including computers, washing machines, TV's, tables, chairs, cabinets…
• Selling unused textiles / footwear and books, toys, CD’s in local charity shops and at jumble and car boot sales
• Reusing leftover pots of paint

Do you have any of the above items? Then please DONATE them to your local community group or charity shop.

Do you need any of the above items? Please support your local community group or charity shop by buying them from these outlets.