Preparation for reuse is a recovery operation that consists of all steps necessary to make an item classified as waste usable again for its original purpose, such as testing, cleaning, repair and reprocessing.
An example of preparation for reuse is the refurbishment of used furniture that has been disposed of and is considered waste. For example, an old, discarded table is repaired, sanded and revarnished so that it can be used as a piece of furniture again – once again becoming part of the economic circuit.
Conventional reuse is limited to products or items that are not or no longer considered to be waste items. A typical example of this is the reuse of building components, e.g. old windows or doors, which can be used directly in new construction projects without further treatment. Such components remain in the economic circuit, thereby avoiding waste. Similarly, items that have undergone a recovery process and are no longer considered waste can be reused. For example, a leaf-blower that no longer works can be thrown away, i.e. it becomes waste. It can be checked and repaired, i.e. the waste undergoes treatment. The provisions in waste legislation must be complied with in this process. If, after being checked and repaired, the leaf-blower can be used again for its original purpose (i.e. to blow leaves), it can be placed back on the market as a product.
Reusing products and preparing waste for reuse makes a significant contribution to resource conservation and the circular economy.
Last modification 23.01.2025
