Did you know that reusing items is a more environmentally-friendly way of dealing with waste than recycling! This is because it takes no resources to reuse something (other than maybe bringing the item to somebody) whereas recycling usually means transporting the item as well as usually transforming it into something else.- We can use the example of a simple object like a glass jam jar. To reuse it, we might simply rinse it out and use it for storing nuts and bolts or similar. To recycle it, we must bring it to the bottle bank (possibly by car). It is then removed (by large truck), brought to a depot, then crushed (using large machinery), then brought to recycling plant (truck), melted down into new jar (large furnace), transported to jam factory (truck), filled with jam then transported to shop (truck) and finally purchased by you and brought home!

Of course, this is still better than making new glass from raw materials- this uses ten times as much energy as melting down and recycling old glass. But the point is made that reusing items is a good idea. There are a number of websites for disposing of items for reuse:

www.freetradeireland.ie

www.jumbletown.ie

www.freebiesireland.com

www.freecycle.org/group/IE/Ireland

The sites are normally divided into categories like furniture, electrical equipment, garden equipment and so forth- there is even a 'wanted' section if you are looking for something in particular. You can also search some of them by area so you don't have to drive to Cork to collect a couple of patio slabs! The only rule with these websites is that everything must be offered for free- you simply contact the person getting rid of the item and organise with them to collect the items. It couldn't be easier and these websites are becoming extremely popular. Of course, you can also choose to sell whatever it you do not need in any of the small ad/classified papers or websites.

Some items can be repaired first of course- nobody throws away their car because the battery is flat! There are lots of other items that should be fixed before replacing them- shoes can be re-soled and heeled, clothes can be altered and repaired and some electrical items can be fixed (always keep the receipts and warranties for these items as you frequently do not have to pay anything in the event of a fault).

Charity shops

Please note: charity shops are always looking for good quality clothes, books, toys and household items- items that can be readily sold to help support the charity. They are not looking for clothes in poor condition, broken toys or household items. Poor quality clothes should be left in recycling banks. The other items are not really reusable and should be disposed of in the refuse bin.

The following list is what could be found from a directory and internet search. If you are aware of other charity shops dealing in secondhand goods or have further contact details for the one below, please contact the environment section at environ@kildarecoco.ie