Re-use ideas and tips

 

Re-use simply means you use the same item more than once, preferably many times, rather than disposing of it after one use. Re-using saves the energy and resources that would have been used to make a new product and means that the product does not go in the rubbish bin and end up in landfill until it is well-used. By re-using items, the average household can reduce the total waste they generate by as much as 30% while preventing the unnecessary use of resources.

 

What can be re-used?

Plastic bags and shopping bags. Plastic bags can obviously be re-used when shopping, for storage, to line bins or collect pet waste at the park. Take a bag or basket shopping with you and save on plastic and packaging. You can also return collected plastic bags for re-use at any local supermarket.

Plastic and aluminium takeaway containers. Plastic containers can be re-used several times before they crack, and are a convenient storage solution for lunches, leftovers and freezing. Smaller plastic bottles are useful for storing water on outings or at your desk. Re-use aluminium and foil-based containers for storing and convenient re-heating.

Glass. Jam and sauce jars and larger drink bottles can be used as vases, or to store dry goods like herbs, pulses, nuts or dried fruit, or homemade jams, relishes and sauces. They are also useful organisers in the study, tool shed and at the sewing table. 

Paper, magazines, books, music. Re-use envelopes and office paper for phone messages, shopping lists and children's drawings before recycling. Re-use gift-wrap, ribbons and bags for presents or to decorate home storage boxes. Build your book and music collection by sourcing good quality seconds from second-hand, junk and vintage sales and stores.

Re-usable and refillable stationery, razors, batteries, personal items. Invest in re-usable items rather than disposable ones. Examples include refillable pens and pencils, razor holders with blade refills, handkerchiefs instead of tissue packs, nappies (or use a nappy cleaning service), rechargeable (rather than single-use) batteries, and baking dishes rather than aluminium foil trays.

Appliances. Many appliances can be reconditioned or repaired for long-lived re-use, especially fridges, washing machines, stoves, TVs and computers. If you are shopping around to replace your appliance, consider investing in a reconditioned appliance. Reconditioned goods are an especially good way for people on small budgets to buy reliable and long-living appliances.

Clothes, shoes and accessories are often long-lasting if well made and maintained. Re-sole and re-heel shoes, maintain leather accessories with nourishing polishes and regularly clean clothes according to instructions. Consider mending rather than replacing in the first instance. Ask around about local swaps and exchange networks. They're often a great way to exchange clothes you no longer want with ones that you do! Always give items in good condition away to charities or second-hand shops rather than just throwing them in the bin. Where possible, shop second-hand and vintage.

China, furniture, toys and home accessories. Again, these are often long-lasting if well-made and maintained, so clean and care for your stuff and consider repair before replacement. Always sell or give away items in good condition rather than throwing them out on hard rubbish day. Contact your local charity shop for pick-up, hold a garage sale, sell on an internet auction site or to a second-hand dealer. Also shop second-hand and vintage.

Building materials. Many building materials can be successfully re-used, saving on cost as well as the energy, water and waste created by the manufacture of new materials. Typical examples are bricks, timber, steel lintels and posts, windows and doors, floorboards, tiles, skirtings, architraves, bench-tops, cabinets, handles, fixtures such as fireplaces and posts, and kitchen and bathroom fittings. If you are building or renovating, always re-use or give away materials in workable condition that you don't want, to demolition and salvage yards. Also consider using second-hand building materials rather than buying new; in some cases, they are more durable or attractive because they are second-hand! For more information on building and renovating with second-hand materials, visit the Our Built Environment and Purchasing sections.

Tips on buying second-hand, reconditioned and vintage