Before you throw items away, think about how they can be reused. Below are our top tips on how to reuse those everyday bits and pieces.
Ways to reuse
- Carrier bags - they can be reused when you go shopping or as bin bags around the house.
- Books, cds and dvds - donate them to charity shops or take them to the British Heart Foundation recycling banks at the household recycling sites.
- Car boot sales and online auction sites - other people may find a use for your old items, plus you could earn some extra cash.
- Paper bags - make useful wrapping.
- Packaging - such as foil and egg cartons - ask your local schools and nurseries if they would like them for art and craft projects.
- Envelopes - by sticking labels over the address you can reuse envelopes or use them as scrap paper to make notes on.
- Used wood - could be used in woodcrafts for making objects such as a spice rack or a bird box.
- Jars and pots - use them as small containers to store odds and ends or reuse them to store your own homemade jams or pickles.
- Magazines - donate them to dentists, doctors surgeries or hospitals
- Newspaper, cardboard and bubble wrap - can make useful packing material when moving house or to store items.
- Scrap paper - can be used to make notes and sketches. Don't forget to use both sides and then recycle it in the blue box when you no longer need it.
- Old clothes - can be donated to charity shops, given to friends or family. You may also be able to mend a favorite item or turn it into something else - such as a cushion cover.
- Plastic bottles - cut off the top half of the bottle to use to cover germinating seeds like a mini-greenhouse cover
- Rechargeable batteries - which can be reused many times before they need recycling.
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Bicycles - if you have an unwanted bicycle, this can be taken to the Carlton Education Centre. Bicycles in any condition can be donated to the organisation, as they will repair them to full working order. Even parts of old bicycles are welcomed, as these can be used. Carlton Education Centre is located at:
31 Fleetgate
Barton-Upon-Humber
North Lincolnshire
DN18 5QA
Telephone: 01652 637489
Please contact them before dropping off your bicycle.
You could donate it to your local charity shop for reuse or why not advertise it in your local newspaper or local shop? Bicycles can also be taken to one of the household recycling centres for recycling.
- Websites - a number of websites offer ways to donate your unwanted and reusable items to other people in your local area, including:
More information
Visit our reduce and recycle pages for more ways to reduce your waste.
