What is Reuse?
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, is a slogan that has been around for years, but the “re-use” part is often overlooked. Reuse is different from recycling because materials and products are used “as is” without needing to be processed or re-manufactured. Reuse can involve repurposing items such as furniture, office equipment, and building materials to extend their lifecycle, save money, and reduce negative environmental impacts.
How Can You Make It Happen?
For businesses and institutions, there are a mix of resources and outlets available to help make reuse happen. Some outlets are focused on business materials. Others have a more traditionally residential base, but also accept business-generated materials. In all cases, materials should meet the recipient’s specifications. Please check the details of what is accepted, operating hours, and handling requirements in order to have a smooth transaction.
Furniture and Equipment Reuse
Businesses and institutions can significantly benefit from reusing furniture and office equipment. It is important to identify reusable items during renovations and relocations and collaborate with local reuse outlets to sell or donate items no longer needed but still in good condition. For more information, visit the Furniture and Equipment Reuse Guidance.
Deconstruction and Materials Reclamation
Building materials can have a high reuse potential. Deconstruction is an alternative to demolition that can vary in scale from a pre-demolition cleanout to the careful dismantling and reuse of structural elements of a building. Reclaiming building materials for reuse not only conserves resource and reduces waste but it can save money on disposal costs. For more information, visit the Construction and Demolition Materials Guidance.
It is key to develop a waste management plan for your project that includes materials for reuse and recycling. Click here for a sample waste management plan and contact RecyclingWorks for support.
Online Platforms and In-House Solutions for Donating and Exchanging Items
There are many online resources to donate or exchange items such as the Northeast Reuse Marketplace, Facebook Marketplace , Buy Nothing, and Craigslist.
Many charitable organizations accept materials such as furniture, office equipment, appliances, books, and clothing for donation and reuse. You could also set up an in-house “take it or leave it” area for things your business may generate that employees may find useful. Surplus office supplies or furniture, packing supplies, crates, pallets, or 5-gallon pails are some examples of materials that can be used by employees for personal use.
Check out our Reuse Resources for more ideas that can help your business maximize re-use opportunities.
If your business or institution is seeking reuse outlets, try our Find-A-Recycler search tool. And if you would like a free consultation to help you identify options and establish a plan for success, please contact us at 888-254-5525 or Info@RecyclingWorksMA.com.