Resources

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.

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. 

The following page lists items that are more commonly re-used.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

The Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP) brings together clothing retailers, brands, suppliers, local authority representatives, recyclers, charities, trade bodies and the public sector to reduce the environmental footprint of clothing.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Sustainability Action Plan (esap) is a collaborative framework coordinated by WRAP for sharing evidence and implementing sector-wide actions to improve business efficiency and the sustainability of electrical and electronic products.

The Furniture Re-use Network (FRN) indicates that around 30% of bulky waste collected from householders and/or collected at the HWRCs can be re-used.