Resources

Online exchange systems provide a portal for the re-use of unwanted items through the internet. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Local authorities may not be best placed to deliver messages to all audiences so it is important to look for partners such as medical services and advice networks. These services and networks can provide information to the parents prior to and after the birth of their baby, via classes, nappucinos (coffee mornings for new mothers) and other baby and toddler sessions etc.

Garden waste - otherwise known as green waste - is decomposing organic matter that can be used as a fertiliser. Although composting is not technically waste prevention, it is included here because it removes material from the municipal waste stream.

This section describes the opportunities for re-use of electrical and electronic products that would otherwise be discarded.

This guide is intended for Research and Development Directors within retailers, brand-owners and manufacturers. It provides guidance for product design and development teams to initiate and develop a process for embedding sustainability in product design in R&D programmes.