Taaskasutusel

Taaskasutusel is the Estonian term used to describe the practice and policy focus of reuse, specifically keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible to prevent waste. The concept encompasses repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and direct resale, as well as repurposing items for new uses. In waste management and environmental policy, taaskasutusel emphasizes maintaining the value of resources rather than sending materials to disposal or downcycling.

In practice, taaskasutusel is realized through channels such as second-hand markets, repair cafés, electronics refurbishment services, upcycling projects, and designs that allow easier disassembly for future reuse. It also includes the reuse of packaging and containers and models that encourage returning and refilling items where feasible. The term is common in Estonia and appears in EU policy discussions on the circular economy, resource efficiency, and waste hierarchy.

Benefits of taaskasutusel include reduced waste generation, conservation of raw materials, lower energy use, and the creation of local jobs in repair, resale, and remanufacturing. Challenges involve changing consumer behavior, building effective collection and logistics systems, ensuring the safety and quality of reused items, and aligning standards across markets. Realizing taaskasutusel typically requires cooperation among households, businesses, municipalities, and policymakers.

See also: taaskasutus, ringmajandus, parandus.