Reuse

The concept of 'reuse' is well understood at a community level and the reusing practice is widespread for domestic goods. However, to support the transition to a circular economy, the practice needs to be adopted more widely at a business and industry level as well.

Reuse is about enabling a material or product to continue being used for its original purpose, even though it has become surplus to your needs – achieving this simply by changing owner. Doing this retains the inherent value of the materials and requires no reprocessing of the product. This makes it a better option for the environment than recycling - which involves breaking the product down and remaking the same thing or producing something else.

By reusing materials and goods we are reducing the use of virgin materials and energy; and the air and water pollution associated with the raw material's extraction (e.g. mining, quarrying and logging), processing and manufacture.

How this can benefit your business

• Cuts your disposal costs and generates revenues
• Reduces your impact on the environment
• Provides a practical demonstration of your green credentials
• Enhances your reputation

What you must do

• Check our pages to ensure you comply with all relevant environmental regulations.
• Ensure you comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.

What you can do

• Prioritise 'reuse' in your procurement policy – buy from for example second hand shops or providers, such as the ones accredited by Revolve - Revolve is a 'reuse' quality standard, with which you can demonstrate your commitment to quality and improvement in Scotland.
• Make your surplus items available for reuse, for example through online exchange - see resources list below. 
• See our guide Reusing waste which provides a range of ideas about how to reuse within your own business e.g. furniture, IT equipment and carpets, and how to donate materials for reuse by other organisations.
• If you sell second hand goods in Scotland, become a Revolve-accredited business.

Resources to locate where you can find products for reuse, and to where you can donate unwanted items

• Northern Ireland Resources Network: Donate, reuse and repair near you
• NI Direct: Cutting waste, reusing and repairing, and donating 
• Recycle Now (Northern Ireland): What to do with unused paint
• Circular Communities Scotland: Reuse near me (tool)
• Resource Efficient Scotland: Find Reuse and Recycling services in your area
• Zero Waste Scotland: Reuse Tool (collection of large items for reuse)
• Creative Carbon Scotland: Green reuse and waste suppliers, with a focus on the Theatre industry
• R:evolve Recycle: Clothing - alterations and repair, swap and reuse (Scotland)
• Resource Efficient Scotland: The Construction Material Exchange tool
• Zero Waste Scotland: Second hand shops with Revolve reuse quality standard
• The Company RePaint Network: When paint is no longer needed (UK)
• WARP IT: a matchmaking service for surplus office furniture, equipment and other resources

In this Guideline

What is a circular economy?

Using fewer resources

Managing your waste for a circular economy - recycling and beyond

Designing your product, service and business model for a circular economy

Reuse

Repairing goods

Remanufacturing and refurbishing

Recycling

Protecting biodiversity and regenerating natural systems