Government urged to prioritise reuse sector in Circular Economy Strategy

The UK’s reuse sector is struggling to keep operations running in the wake of economic pressures and regulatory hurdles, according to a new report from Reuse Network.

The ‘Reuse Roadmap’ warns that the number of reusable item donations has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with an increase in demand for affordable furniture and electricals.

The network, in its Social Impact Report 2024, says that last year saw 2.55 million items reused, down by almost one million items compared to 2019.

Reuse Roadmap’s Recommendations

The roadmap suggests five core recommendations for government action to support the reuse sector, as part of its upcoming Circular Economy Strategy:

• Breaking the link between waste and reuse, by providing a different collection method for reusable resources
• Updating uneven regulations and permitting practices between different types of waste that makes reuse a non-viable option for products with POPs and other hazards
• Exploring partnerships between logistics and distribution companies and reuse organisations to handle household bulky item collections
• Supporting the existing sector with capacity development through investment in facilities, campaigning, and partnerships to tackle to cost-of-living crisis
• Recognising the social benefits and public savings through use, such as the sector impacts on physical health, mental health, housing, education, training and employment, welfare reductions, and greenhouse gas offsets

Craig Anderson, CEO of Reuse Network, explained why government intervention is needed: “For decades, reuse charities have stepped in where policy has fallen short, ensuring that essential household goods remain accessible to those who need them most. Yet, despite our environmental, social, and economic contributions, the value of the reuse sector has never been fully recognised or supported.

“The Government must act now to remove restrictive policies and champion reuse in order to unlock its full potential in driving the circular economy forward.”

The report proposed that the government could consider bringing back reuse and recycling credit schemes so that community organisations would be rewarded for diverting waste from landfill.

Regional reuse hubs were also suggested, establishing a logistical network of hubs to secure and manage additional stock and service remote locations.

Emphasising the need for policy change, Graham Harrison, Interim Waste Manager at Cumberland Council and Reuse Network’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Throughout my career in waste management and local government, I’ve witnessed how policy and industry have prioritised recycling while failing to fully recognise the value of reuse.

“Robust support and recognition of reuse charities is needed to ensure they can continue this important work. The Government must rebalance its approach, investing in prevention and reuse first.”

Pre-COVID statistics from the network demonstrate significant achievements, with 1.5 million UK households helped and £427.6 million saved for low-income households. This prevented 111,664 tonnes of products from being wasted and saved 123,236 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The social value of reuse was also estimated to create between £120 million and £346 million by a recent study from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and electrical repair and reuse service, Tech-Takeback.

Martin Macleod, CEO of ILM Highland, member of the Reuse Network, added: “The reuse sector plays a vital role in supporting low-income households while reducing waste and carbon emissions. Without stronger government support, many charities will be unable to continue their work, resulting in greater environmental harm and fewer affordable options for those in need.”