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.

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

This section of the Household Waste Prevention Hub will guide you through the four main stages of delivering waste prevention in your local authority. 

There are a number of potential barriers which prevent householders participating in re-use.

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.

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.

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.

The benefits of face-to-face exchanges when it comes to re-using household items.

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.

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.  

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.