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Making reuse happen at Household Waste Recycling Centres

26 Jun 25

Discover how local authorities can adopt a reuse first approach with our comprehensive guide to Making Reuse Happen at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

This guide has been developed to support local authorities to adopt a reuse first approach, to increase the capture of quality reusable items and maximise reuse across their region.

View the full PDF version of Making Reuse Happen at Household Waste Recycling Centres or, if you would prefer to work on each section individually, click on the headings under the steps for implementing reuse below.

Included are five case studies from local authorities that have successfully implemented reuse strategies in their regions, highlighting key learnings and essential elements for success from both council and delivery partner perspectives

Steps for implementing reuse

  1. Initial Review

    This section contains information on: reviewing internal documentation; identifying drivers and benefits; conducting an internal audit; and conducting stakeholder engagement.

  2. Data & Evidence

    This section contains information on: establishing baseline reuse activity; conducting relevant waste assessments; and estimating carbon impacts of reuse opportunities.

  3. Analysis of Reuse Options

    This section contains information on: the hierarchy of reuse options; planning and licensing; and site location and footfall.

  4. Funding

    This section contains information on: conducting a cost-benefit analysis and options for external funding.

  5. Business Case

    This section contains information on: developing a vision; identifying management strategy; confirming funding streams; and explaining methodology.

  6. Contracting, Procurement & Partnerships

    This section contains information on: circular and sustainable procurement; and contracting arrangements and specifications.

  7. Monitoring & Evaluation

    This section contains information on: setting KPIs and targets; how to monitor targets; and potential benefits.

  8. Communications & Creating a Reuse Culture

    This section contains information on: creating a communications strategy, including branding and ethos.

Case studies

Read and download detailed case studies from 5 local authorities across Scotland. These case studies detail the must-haves and learnings for building better reuse at HWRCs.

Read the case studies here
A staff member taking items out of a van at Moray Waste Busters.