22.3.2  Reuse strategies

Reuse refers to the act of using an item more than once, either for the same or similar purpose. Figure 22.4 shows used plastic bottles and other containers for sale to be reused. Unlike recycling and other recovery options, reuse does not require reprocessing and therefore requires less energy.

Plastic containers are frequently reused
Figure 22.4  Plastic containers are frequently reused. (Photos: Pam Furniss, Janet Haresnape)

  • What sort of materials or products are reused for the same or different purposes in your community?

  • Using plastic bottles or glass containers for water, oil or gasoline are possible answers though there are a number of others from household utensils to personal uses.

22.3.1  Reduction strategies

22.3.3  Recovery strategies: recycling, composting and energy