Genbrugs

Genbrugs is a Danish term describing the practice of reusing goods and materials that would otherwise be discarded. It encompasses activities such as repairs, refurbishment, resale, and repurposing, with the aim of extending the life of products and reducing waste. In contrast to recycling, which processes materials into new substances, genbrug typically preserves the original item or its core components.

Common forms of genbrug include genbrugsbutikker (second-hand shops) operated by charitable organizations or private retailers, loppemarkeder (flea markets), and online marketplaces where individuals sell or give away items. Municipal genbrugsstationer (recycling centers) collect, sort, and sometimes resell items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics. Repair cafés and maker spaces also promote genbrug by teaching and enabling repairs and upcycling projects.

Benefits of genbrug include reduced landfill volume, lower resource consumption and energy use, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. It can also stimulate local economies and support social welfare through charitable channels, as donated items are redistributed to those in need or sold at affordable prices.

Challenges involve ensuring safety and usability of donated items, quality control, storage and logistics, and changing consumer habits and stigmas associated with second-hand goods. Policy and infrastructure support, such as accessible genbrugsstationer and partnerships with charities, are common components of a Danish approach to a circular economy. Genbrug is thus integrated into broader waste management and sustainability efforts, contributing to resource conservation and community resilience.