Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle

We should try our best to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible instead of using them once and throwing them away into landfill. This is called a circular economy.

This means we share, lease, reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle to get the most value while reducing harm to the environment.

How you can help

• we can individually and collectively help by changing some of our regular daily habits
• small changes can make a big difference over time
• limiting the amount we throw away and reusing items as much as possible are great ways to reduce our impact on the environment.

Reduce

• write a list before you go shopping and only buy what you need and will use
• buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged
• borrow items that you won’t use very often, such as suitcases for your holiday or DIY tools, from friends and family
• use up leftovers for meals the next day.

Inspiration on how you can use leftovers from Love Food Hate Waste

Reuse

• take your shopping bags with you when you go to the shops and remember to keep empty ones in your car
• carry a spare and reusable bag in your handbag
• use refillable water bottles and coffee cups
• keep sandwiches in a reusable lunch box instead of wrapped in foil.

More tips on how to reduce and reuse from Recycle Now

Repair

Before you throw something that's broken away, consider whether it could be repaired.

The Dover and Deal Repair Cafés are run by volunteers who are on hand to help you fix your things for free.

Whether it's a broken zip on your favourite jacket, or your child's cherished bike or teddy - take it along and see if they can help.

Recycle

• use our recycling collection service – most of the household waste you produce can be recycled
• find your nearest household waste recycling centre (tip), check what can be recycled, and sort your waste before you go
• recycle any old clothes, shoes and bags that you have.

You can:

• get together with friends and swap clothes or sell them on second hand sites such as Vinted
• go to a local boot fair, book a stall and sell your unwanted clothes, shoes, books and more
• donate clothes that are no longer worn to your local charity shop
• recycle clothes in a charity clothing bank in a car park or supermarket
• Dover Swap Shop is held bi-monthly at Beacon Church Hall on Bartholomew Street in Dover. It is held for people to swap children's clothes, toys, books or other items (aimed at ages 0-14). For more information you can join their Facebook page or email doverswapshop@gmail.com

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