Reuse is often confused with recycling. Reuse extends the life of an item. Recycling involves reprocessing an item into new raw materials. Preventing waste by reusing is a good way to save resources and help the environment.

Reuse can include buying from charity shops, using reusable bags, recharging batteries and reusing drinks bottles. Here are some other ways to reuse:

• Charity Shops
  You could help your local charity shop by donating items that are in good condition. Charity shops sell and accept donations of reusable clothes, shoes, cutlery, books, CDs, DVDs, bed linen and small novelty items. They are great places to pick up a bargain and help a good cause at the same time!
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• Furniture Reuse
  Furniture reuse projects are run by community groups and charities and could take your unwanted furniture, if it is suitable for reuse.
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• Free Exchange Websites
  Would you prefer to reuse that special something rather than throw it away? Donate items on websites such as Dumfries and Galloway Freeshare and find new homes for items you no longer want.
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• Reusable Nappies
  There are cleaner, greener alternatives to disposable nappies! Over 450 tonnes of disposable nappies are thrown away every year in the region and it could be hundreds of years before the waste breaks down. Using real nappies could save you money too.
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• Textile Points
  You can take a range of shoes, blankets and clothes to textile points at our Recycling Centres and Points for reuse and recycling. The Sort It website is the best place to find your nearest charity shop or textile recycling point using your postcode.
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• Libraries
  Libraries have been reusing for hundreds of years! Come along to see what's going on and what you can borrow. Your library has free books to take home or use in the library, books for babies, picture books, story and information books, books for teenagers, talking books, use of computer and broadband internet access, rhymetimes, storytimes as well as activities and events.
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