Reuse
Often items can be reused, once or
numerous times; by reusing it helps to cut down on the cost of
buying new items. A quick waste audit of your bins and skips may
identify items which can be reused, helping to save you
money.
Reusing your waste is good in many other ways - it
saves on natural resources, it reduces the amount of energy used,
and cuts down on transport costs, the need for landfill is reduced
and it helps to reduce the risk of climate change.
- Refill toner and ink jet cartridges rather than buying
new ones.
- Use waste / scrap paper as note paper. Start a scrap paper box
in each office and encourage staff and colleagues to use this for
memos and notes rather than a fresh piece of paper.
- Reuse Jiffy bags and envelopes.
- Reuse envelopes for internal mail circulation.
- Reuse cardboard boxes for deliveries or packages.
- Reuse files, plastic wallets and document folders as often as
you can.
- Donate general interest magazines to doctor's surgeries,
dentists, care homes, libraries and hospitals.
- Use rechargeable batteries when possible.
- Donate computers and furniture to be re-used. If no-one else in
your organisation can use them, consider donating them to a charity
or voluntary group such as Newham Community Recycling (The
Wombles). If you do have to dispose of computer equipment that is
no longer of use, remember, it now needs to be disposed of in line
with WEEE Regulations.
- Refill sugar, salt and pepper pots rather than buy individual
sachets.
- Use cups, mugs and glasses rather than disposable plastic and
paper cups.
- Salvage wood, soil, tiles and other items for future jobs.
- Turn woody shrubs and cuttings into wood chips to be used on
paths.