Reusing

Reusing is the act of using items or materials again for the same or a different purpose, rather than discarding or recycling. It encompasses a wide range of activities from simple hand-me-downs to formal repair and refurbishment.

Common domains include consumer goods (reusable containers, clothing, furniture), packaging (glass jars, totes, pallets), electronics (refurbished devices), and building materials (doors, bricks). In software, code reuse refers to using existing software components.

Benefits of reusing include reduced waste, lower material extraction, energy savings, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It can also save money for individuals and organizations and help preserve cultural or historical value when items retain function and form.

Challenges include contaminated items, wear and safety concerns (electrical, food-contact), compatibility and performance limitations, and logistical costs of collection, cleaning, and storage. Some products have regulatory restrictions (medical devices, food packaging). To maximize benefits, systems often emphasize repairability, standardization, and easy disassembly.

Practices commonly seen in reusing include repair, repurposing, donation, resale, rental and sharing platforms, and refurbishing. In households, this includes mending clothes, cleaning jars, or giving used items a new life. In industry, it includes refurbishing equipment, reclaiming components, and remanufacturing.

Policy and culture around reuse are supported by municipal reuse centers, charity shops, and repair cafés. The concept is central to the circular economy, which aims to extend product lifecycles and reduce the need for virgin resources.