Why is Reuse Important?
Reusing items that you already have is a great way of reducing the amount of rubbish we make. It can also save you money.
Reuse is often confused with recycling, but they are really quite different. Recycling takes a product and makes it into a new version of the same thing or something else.
Reuse is simply changing the user of the product or the way that product is used. This prolongs an item’s life and retains the value of it for longer. This is good for the environment as it reduces the need to use raw or recycled materials.
+ How can I reuse?
You can reuse by donating, selling or buying reusable things. Some common examples are Freegle, charity shops, second hand shops, car boot sales, free ads, eBay etc.
There are lots of selling and ‘gifting’ pages or groups on social media. Why not see what’s on offer in your local area.
If you have something you want to offer for reuse why not see where you can take it with the Bin Genie.
+ Reuse Shops at Norfolk Recycling Centres
Donate unwanted items and find your next bargain at a Reuse shop at one of fourteen locations at Recycling Centres. You do not have to book if you are only visiting a Reuse Shop.
What to expect when you visit
Some of Norfolk Recycle Centres host Reuse Shops, which are similar to charity shops. The shops differ in size and therefore the stock levels vary considerably.
Make sure you pop in to see your local Reuse Shop soon, so you know what type of things they have in stock and hopefully pick yourself up a bargain. The stock changes daily and you never know what gems may be hiding in there.
Don’t forget to donate your quality items to the shops when you visit the recycling centres. Some sites also accept quality electrical equipment for reuse. Ask staff where the drop off point is for their shop and they will assess the suitability of your items for resale.
All items are sold at car boot sale prices, with all takings going back into running the service.
We no longer accept cash payments for amounts over £10 – you will need to pay with a debit or credit card.
Find your nearest Reuse Shop here.
If you can’t get to a Reuse Shop, don’t forget your local charity shop who are the experts in reuse and keeping items in use for longer.
+ Refill
Refill is a City to Sea campaign with over 300,000 refill stations registered worldwide! City to Sea is an award-winning campaigning organisation working to stop plastic pollution at source. Visit Refill for more details.
To start refilling, simply take your bottles, cups or lunchboxes out with you. Look out for the refill window sticker and check the refill app to find:
- Free Water Refills – more than 500 Refill Stations offering water refills in Norfolk!
- Coffee on the move – find places offering discounts and rewards for bringing you own cup.
- Lunch on the go – find places to take your own lunchboxes to get your food on the go.
- Water fountains – over 10 public water fountains in Norfolk.
- Plastic free shopping – reduce pointless packaging when shopping and use the app to find refills. Check our list of Eco and Refill shops in Norfolk.
Join one of Norfolk’s fantastic Refill schemes or start a new one here: How to start a Refill Scheme in your area
Norfolk Refill Schemes:
- Aylsham Refill Aylsham
- Gorleston Refill Gorleston
- Hethersett Refill Hethersett
- Hunstanton Refill Hunstanton
- Lingwood Refill Lingwood
- Norwich Refill Norwich
- Swaffham Refill Swaffham
Want to volunteer? Sign up as a Refill Volunteer here.
Download the app:
+ Swap 2 Save
Swap single-use products for reusable items at home, work or school and save money* and the planet at the same time.
Visit our swap2save pages for 12 great ways that you can swap single-use products for reusable alternatives, saving you money and the planet at the same time.
+ Sign up to Norfolk and Waveney Freegle
Freegle helps people to pass on things they no longer need. Using Freegle reduces waste and clutter, helps your community, saves money and benefits the environment.
Why not sign up here.
