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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. Other words that may be associated with re-use would be refurbishment, restoration, renovation, and regeneration.
Recycling - is where an item or waste material undergoes some kind of re-processing to make it into something new.
| The Waste Hierarchy The UK Government and EU Commission in all their waste strategies agree that there is a hierarchy of how waste should be treated. | |
| Reduce / Minimisation | Best Option |
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| Reuse | |
| Recycle | |
| Incineration / Energy Recovery | |
| Landfill | Worst Option |
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 re-used items like schools, community organisations and members of the public
- Creates opportunities for jobs and training
