At FRM, over the last 17 years (anniversary next week!), a key part of our work has been the development of options appraisals for kerbside collections of recycling, food waste and residual waste. But as the sector continues to evolve, the last ten years have seen greater demand to move resources higher up the waste hierarchy wherever possible, that means prioritising reuse and repair.

Reuse Appraisals

After waste prevention, reuse (which includes repair, refill and share activities) is the second highest priority of the waste hierarchy, which aims to keep items in circulation for as long as possible in order to reduce the need for new ‘things’ to be created. We have been promoting reuse as part of our waste strategy development work for many years, through developing reuse options appraisals.

Caught mapping

Across the UK, a significant amount of reuse activity is already being led by the community/third sector, whether through furniture reuse schemes, school uniform exchanges, or sharing libraries. Within our reuse options appraisals, we explore and map what’s already happening within an area, to highlight any gaps in services. Informed by best practice and case studies, we can help identify new opportunities for local authorities to support the development of new and existing third sector/ community-led interventions.

Social Value

Not only is it beneficial for local authorities to encourage reuse activities within its area from an environmental perspective, but it can also help to support the creation of further social value through the associated social and economic benefits. Taking repair cafes as an example, socially, these allow skilled individuals to put their expertise to use and also upskill/train other individuals, while they can also help the public to save money as repairs are undertaken free of charge by volunteers.

Walking the talk

We have first-hand experience in the development of repair cafes, from our involvement in setting up the Bridgnorth Repair Café. We have also supported through funding insurance and training through our social value fund, recruiting volunteers, sourcing equipment and helping at the events. A key challenge in holding events such as these is the awareness and availability of funds for these projects, particularly in the initial stages where insurances and equipment may need to be purchased. This is something we explore within our reuse options appraisals, where we highlight and suggest how this can be achieved, for example through accessing local environmental grants, private sector money or the inclusion of social value (and therefore support/funding) within procurement activity.

An important cog in the wheel

It’s clear that embracing reuse and repair is essential to delivering on environmental goals, developing the circular economy and generating wider social and economic benefits. Through our reuse options appraisals, we help identify opportunities to increase the provision of reuse within an area, and how this can be achieved, which feeds into and helps inform wider resource & waste strategy direction & actions.

For support on reuse appraisals and waste strategy, see www.frithrm.com. Or to talk to one of our technical advisers call us on 01746 552423 or email rosie@frithrm.com.