Welcome to the Reuse Toolkit - everything from bags to furniture can be reused
Reuse is the second stage of the waste hierarchy. Product reuse involves the multiple use of an item in its original form, for its original purpose or for an alternative, with or without reconditioning. In many cases waste that cannot be prevented can be reused instead of buying new products.
Many items can be reused, including mobile phones, computers, printer cartridges, leftover paint and clothes. Even if you have finished with something, someone else will often be able to use it. National charity organisations, local charity shops, internet auction sites and free exchange schemes may be able to reuse your unwanted items.
Scotland's Re-use Quality Standard and Re-use Helpline
Find your local Revolve Store
The Scottish Government recognises the importance re-use and repair have in extending the life of products. When you buy a re-used item, you save the resources and energy it would have taken to make a new one.
Every year, millions of pounds worth of re-usable items are thrown away in Scotland. Revolve accredited stores aim to bring life back to items people no longer want. When you buy a re-used item, you save the resources and energy it would have taken to make a new one.
Shopping at your local Revolve re-use accredited store provides a real alternative to purchasing new goods. Our goods are re-used, modestly priced, of good quality, clean and safe, with many choices available.
Revolve organisations are assessed in areas such as customer care, shop layout, product testing and health and safety.
When you see the Revolve brand at
your local re-use centre, you can be sure that they are an accredited
organisation.
Donating items to your local Revolve accredited store is also convenient and hassle free.To donate your unwanted items, or for advice and more information call Scotland's National re-use phone line on 0800 0665 820.
Furniture Re-Use
Find a Project near your
Scotland is home to over 60 furniture reuse projects, which accept a wide range of items including sofas, beds, wooden furniture, washing machines, fridges, kitchenware and soft furnishings. These items are refurbished if necessary and either sold at low cost or provided to people in need via social welfare agencies.
Reusing furniture is good for the environment as it reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfill and stops virgin materials being used in making new items. In 2007, community organisations in Scotland reused more than 14,000 tonnes of furniture and appliances.
If you are planning to get rid of a piece of old furniture or household appliance, please consider talking to your nearest Furniture Reuse scheme before taking it to be recycled or sent to landfill.
Charity Shops are a good way to reuse items
For more information about donating click on above image
Over 45,000 tonnes of goods are donated to charity shops in Scotland every year. However, there are many more items going into landfill that can be taken to a charity shop or reuse project and sold on.
Charity shops have increased the number and type of items that they accept. Some shops can now accept CDs, DVDs, small and large electrical appliances, sports equipment, computers and baby equipment.
Click on the above image to find charity shops in your area
Ideas for reusing everyday items
For some ideas on how to reuse some everyday items visit the My Zero Waste website. You can also contribute your top tips for reusing items and reducing the amount that goes into landfill.
Another way to reuse items is to use Freecycle
The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,965 groups with 8,555,364 members around the world. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers (them's good people). Membership is free.
When you need a bag, try to use one you already have
To find out what retailers are doing
click on the above image
The average person uses over 300 plastic carrier bags per year.
Nearly every plastic bag that has ever been used, since plastic was invented, still exists somewhere, probably in a landfill site.
Remembering your bag Many people now own reusable bags but remembering to take them with you can be a problem. Below are some tips to help you remember your reusable bag:
Keep a bag in your handbag for unplanned shopping trips.
Put your bags next to your shopping list.
Keep your bags by the front door so you see them just before you leave the house.
If you have to take your car to the shops, keep a few bags in the boot.
Recycle for Scotland Re-use Directory
This directory highlights a number of ways in which you can save valuable resources that would otherwise be needed in the manufacture of new products. You can find a list of shops across Scotland that sell items that can be Reused