Resources
It is essential to create a market demand for re-used items. There are a number of barriers which prevent consumers choosing re-used items. Local authorities can work to remove these barriers through their communications campaigns.
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
Online exchange systems provide a portal for the re-use of unwanted items through the internet.
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
This section of the Household Waste Prevention Hub will guide you through the four main stages of delivering waste prevention in your local authority.
- Waste management and end markets
- Local Authorities
There are a number of potential barriers which prevent householders participating in re-use.
- Collections & recycling
- Collections and sorting
- Kerbside collection
- Re-use
- Local Authorities
- Packaging producers
There are a variety of local and national re-use organisations that are well established. In addition to delivering their own services, local authorities can work with existing organisations to promote and encourage re-use. WRAP has recently launched its Partnerships are key to success (PAKTS) initiative which comprises a suite of material including how-to guides and case studies highlighting the importance of re-use and partnership working.
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
Loan and hire activities come under the umbrella term of the "sharing economy", a term which encompasses the idea of sharing property, time, skills and other resources.
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
One of the main barriers to donation of items for re-use is a lack of knowledge about what services are available or a lack of facilities for donation. Local authorities can encourage donation by providing information about donation options and also be supporting the re-use organisations who will receive the donations.
- Collections & recycling
- Re-use
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
The benefits of face-to-face exchanges when it comes to re-using household items.
- Consumer behaviour
- Re-use & recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
There are multiple mechanisms available for the exchange and re-use of items. These include face to face exchange through events and online exchange via a number of websites. Local authorities can either deliver these services or support community groups and other external organisations in their delivery of the services.
- Consumer behaviour
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
WRAP have produced a series of step-by-step guides aimed at encouraging more partnerships between local authorities, waste management companies and third sector organisations to deliver more re-use.
- Collections and sorting
- Recycling in urban areas
- HWRCs & bring sites
- Commercial waste
- Re-use
- Electricals
- Re-use and recycling
- Waste management and reprocessors
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
By repairing or re-using goods which still retain some operational value there are social, financial and environmental benefits in comparison to producing a brand new product.
- Collections & recycling
- Collections and sorting
- Re-use
- Re-use and recycling
- Local Authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
In order to get people involved it is important to understand the target audience, work with partners and stakeholders, and link to national initiatives such as Go Real.
- Eliminating problem plastics
- Consumer behaviour
- Re-use and recycling
- Manufacturers
- Retailers and brands
- Local Authorities
- National government and departments