Reuse charities say that Government must act now to recognise and support the critical role of reuse in the circular economy

A report released today by Reuse Network says impact of UK reuse charities must be recognised and supported to help achieve the UK’s ambitious circular economy goals. 

Clearing barriers to reuse

Reuse Network says it is attempting to clear the many barriers currently prohibiting the reuse sector from operating at full potential and supporting the Government’s circular economy goals. The charity argues that without policy reform and investment, the sector will struggle to continue delivering its crucial environmental and social benefits. 

Last year, the Reuse Network reported that its members reused over 2 million items that would have otherwise been discarded. However, the number of items reused has dropped by 1.5 million in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic as continued economic pressures have resulted in a decline in donations to reuse charities across the UK. Additionally, inadequate support for reuse charities has forced some to shut their doors or scale back operations, leaving communities without viable options to purchase second-hand items or donate unwanted goods. 

The Reuse Roadmap

The Reuse Roadmap sets out five points which Reuse Network is asking the Government to consider when developing its new Circular Economy Strategy. These include breaking the link between waste and reuse by managing resource; removing regulatory burdens hampering reuse; upgrading to new recruits to manage large item waste; supporting the existing reuse sector; and recognising and valuing the social benefits and public savings created through reuse. 

“Craig Anderson, CEO of Reuse Network said “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 time for recognition and action is long overdue.”

The roadmap is backed by Reuse Network’s charity members who exist to alleviate poverty across the UK by donating or selling at very low cost essential goods to people in need, as well as provide valuable workplace experience and support services to marginalised members of society. In addition, they tackle climate change by reusing items that would otherwise end up in waste. These include household furniture, electrical appliances, paint, baby equipment and more. 

Martin Macleod who is CEO of ILM Highland, a charity and member of the Reuse Network commented on The Reuse Roadmap saying,

“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.”

Voicing his support for the roadmap, Interim Waste Manager at Cumberland Council, and Reuse Network’s Chair of Trustees, Graham Harrison, 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. As a Trustee at Reuse Network, it has been refreshing to see how products at the end of their life are seen as a resource, rather than waste. However, 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.”

Read The Reuse Roadmap

You can download a copy of The Reuse Roadmap here. If you’d like to learn how you can work with Reuse Network to support our charity members, please contact Hannah Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, hannah.jordan@reuse-network.org.uk