Campus - Reuse

What does reuse mean?

Reuse means using an item again without making it into a new product first. In many cases waste that cannot be prevented can be reused.

How can I start reusing on campus?

• Refilling printer cartridges, using rechargeable batteries and reusing office furniture are all great ways of reusing waste on campus.
• Refill services for printer cartridges are widely available and are usually more cost effective than buying brand new cartridges. Visit the reuse section of the Sort It directory to find local companies offering this service. 
• Rechargeable batteries are a quick, cost effective and convenient alternative to single use disposable batteries and are available from most good office suppliers, you can also use the Sort It directory to find rechargeable battery retailers in your local area. 
• Set up an equipment exchange. Follow the example of Glasgow University and set up a small ads system on your intranet where departments can offer redundant equipment to other departments. 
• Reusing furniture could mean donating used furniture to a local organisation or sourcing used furniture to refit your offices. The furniture section of this website lists community organisations that may be able to take your furniture for reuse or provide you with good quality used furniture.
• Electronic equipment and teaching aids may be able to be reused by local charities and community sector organisations, visit the Sort It directory to find local groups and organisations. Read about the University of Aberdeen's reuse partnership with Computers for Africa and the Creative Waste Exchange.
• Buy recycled content paper to help generate markets for recycled paper. Recycled content paper is of comparable quality to non recycled paper and many different recycled content paper grades are available. Your stationery supplier should be able to provide you with details of recycled content paper options. 

How can I reuse at home?

Donating unwanted, saleable items to charity shops, reusing food and drinks containers, using rechargeable batteries and opting for refillable products are just some of the things that you can do to reuse at home. Visit Zero Waste Scotland’s Sort It directory for information about donating, buying and using reusable items in your local area.