--- title: A rough guide to reuse description: Almost anything can be reused or repurposed and benefits include avoiding landfill, reducing waste, and saving money. Here are our tips on how you can supplement your reuse activities at work and also introduce it other areas of your life. image: https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/A%20rough%20guide%20to%20reuse.jpg --- - [Login](http://getwarpit.com/login) - [Admin](http://getwarpit.com/login/admin) - [Register your company](http://getwarpit.com/register) - [Demo](http://getwarpit.com/webinars.aspx) - [Blog](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/) - [![Uk](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/uk-1.png?width=25&height=25&name=uk-1.png "Uk")Uk](https://www.warp-it.co.uk) - [![Australia](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/australia-1.png?width=25&height=25&name=australia-1.png "Australia")Australia](https://au.getwarpit.com) - [![America](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/america-1.png?width=25&height=25&name=america-1.png "America")America](https://us.getwarpit.com) - [![Canada](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/canada-1.png?width=25&height=25&name=canada-1.png "Canada")Canada](https://ca.getwarpit.com) - We Are Hiring | Tel: 0800 0488755 | - - - - - | More Contact Details - | Not for Profits click here [![logo](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/logo-1.png)](http://getwarpit.com/) - [Tour](http://getwarpit.com/tour.aspx) - [Case Studies](http://getwarpit.com/clients.aspx) - [Pricing](http://getwarpit.com/pricing.aspx) - [Additional Services](http://getwarpit.com/additionalservices) Topic: [Tips and tools](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/tips-and-tools) [Featured](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/featured) # A rough guide to reuse ![Jennifer Clair Robson](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/Jennifer%20Clair%20R%20.jpg) by [Jennifer Clair Robson](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/author/jennifer-clair-robson) Almost anything can be reused or repurposed and benefits include avoiding landfill, reducing waste, and saving money. [See more on the benefits reuse offers.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/backtobasics) The Warp It redistribution system [allows its members](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/strenthtostrength) to swap or donate unwanted and unloved items, saving money, and diverting them from landfill. This includes electrical equipment, office furniture, soft furnishings, stationery, and other consumables such as and ink jet cartridges, uniforms and corporate workwear, lab equipment, and medical equipment. It’s not just limited to this. Any resource can be reused if it’s safe and legal to do so. More unusual items reused through Warp It have included clothes horses, tuxedos, paper weights, and even a [brandy bottle](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/a-bottle-of-brandy-and-amazing-customer-feedback). *Here are our tips on how you can supplement your reuse activities at work and also introduce it other areas of your life.*   **Mend and repair** **![mend and repair](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mend%20and%20repair.jpg?width=1600&name=mend%20and%20repair.jpg)** New isn’t always necessary or better. Keeping what we already have, such as clothes, furniture, and electronic equipment functioning saves money and reduces the negative impact on the environment. Mend clothing and repair boots, shoes, and bags whenever possible. Old clothes can be customised to give them a fresh lease of life, and it is certainly cheaper to re-heel shoes than replace. Corporate workwear and uniforms are [often reused through Warp It](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/reuse-uniforms) and you can get advice on caring for, repairing and upcycling clothing [here](https://www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/care-repair). If you don’t have the time or skills to repair, see if there is a [repair café near you](https://www.repaircafe.org/en/) or contact the manufacturer of the product and see if they offer a repair service. **Repurpose or upcycle** **![upcycle](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/upcycle.jpg?width=1600&name=upcycle.jpg)** Think outside the box. Before you chuck something away ask yourself if it could be re-purposed or upcycled. Old sheets and towels are great to use as cleaning rags, cans and plastic bottles can make great plant pots, and glass jars are incredibly versatile; they are great for storage, paint pots, and for preserves. Wooden pallets can be repurposed into furniture, and even old bathtubs can be used as stylish planters in the garden. Shred old newspapers to use for animal bedding, use packaging like foil and egg cartons for art and craft projects, and you can even use old tyres to make a tyre-swing. Get creative ideas at sites like Pinterest and Instagram. The possibilities are endless. **Research before you buy** **![robust](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/robust.jpg?width=1600&name=robust.jpg)** Always do your research before buying to ensure you buy reusable and repairable items. This especially applies to electronic appliances and televisions, to determine which are the most energy efficient, durable and, if possible repairable. Make sure everyday items like utensils and tableware, cloth serviettes, sponges, and dish cloths are durable and can be washed and reused rather than thrown away after one use. Avoid single use plastics and opt for refillable mugs, bottles, and other containers. Use rechargeable batteries and, of course, always take a reusable shopping bag to the supermarket and other stores. **Swap, share, borrow or rent** **![share swap](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/share%20swap.jpg?width=1600&name=share%20swap.jpg)** Set up a system with work colleagues, friends, family and neighbours to swap, share, borrow, or even rent out items that are infrequently used or were bought as a one off. This could include books, CDs, DVDs, party decorations, formal wear, baby clothes, power tools, luggage, ladders, surplus stationery, audio-visual equipment, boats, and other outdoor equipment. [Check out our guide to hold a stationery amnesty to get started.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/clear-space-clear-mind-increased-productivity-increased-reuse-0)You can also get ideas on[ running a declutter campaign here](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/boost-staff-productivity-with-a-declutter-campaign).  **S****ell or donate ** **![sale](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/sale.jpg?width=1600&name=sale.jpg)** Sell or donate your unwanted clothes and accessories, books and comics, toys and games, ornaments and working electrical appliances so somebody else can use them. As the saying goes - one person's rubbish is another's treasure. As well as Warp It, online resources include Freegle, Freecycle, Gumtree, and Ebay. You could also sell at a car boot, garage, or jumble sale or donate to a local charity shop. [Read how the Warp It community helps charities](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/charities-urged-to-sign-up); over £3.7 million worth of items unearthed in office clearances have been donated to charities and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK and abroad so far! These are just a few ideas. Do you have any tips or experiences to share? Let us know! Now read [Why reuse? The benefits of reusing. ](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/backtobasics) [Five Warp It features to make reusing even easier.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/save-resources-and-cut-waste) [Tips and tools to get reusing.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/get-reusing-toolsandtips) [Don't bin the uniform; reuse it.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/reuse-uniforms) [Putting unwanted stationery to good use is the ‘write’ idea.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/unwanted-stationery) [Start reusing today and register with Warp It.](https://getwarpit.com/register?__hstc=212534475.358e9558c4634bb0d992d659cf509e8c.1593511710243.1644423146849.1644434028673.538&__hssc=212534475.5.1644434028673&__hsfp=3570997368) [Read how to donate your surplus assets to charity on Warp It](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/how-to-donate-surplus-assets-into-the-charity-sector). ### Here's another Warp It hack Use our templates to save time and get ideas! [Free Download](https://info.warp-it.co.uk/download-all-email-templates-in-one-place) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=A%20rough%20guide%20to%20reuse) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.hubspot.com%2Fhub%2F158015%2F305390_10100548508246879_837195_59275782_6882128_n.jpg) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![Jennifer Clair Robson](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/Jennifer%20Clair%20R%20.jpg) ### Jennifer Clair Robson info@warp-it.co.uk Writing to make a difference because climate change, sustainability and the environment are issues close to my heart. Topics: [Tips and tools](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/tips-and-tools) [Featured](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/featured) > Read More About this Topic ### Subscribe to our Newsletter ## Most Popular - [All you need to know about getting started on Warp It](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/all-you-need-to-know-about-getting-started-on-warp-it) - [Meet MedAID, the charity distributing unwanted medical equipment to where it's needed most](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/meetmedaid) - [Free Furniture and Equipment for Schools](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/new-feature-free-assets-for-schools-0) - [Free furniture and equipment for charities](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/new-feature-free-assets-for-charities) - [Putting unwanted stationery to good use is the ‘write’ idea](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/unwanted-stationery) ### Follow us [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=A%20rough%20guide%20to%20reuse) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.hubspot.com%2Fhub%2F158015%2F305390_10100548508246879_837195_59275782_6882128_n.jpg) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.warp-it.co.uk%2Froughguidetoreuse%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![sample-bg-image-1](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/sample-bg-image-1.jpeg?width=1280&name=sample-bg-image-1.jpeg "sample-bg-image-1") ###### WANT SOMETHING AMAZING? #### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter - **Here's our newsletter promise** and how you will benefit. Get it in your inbox ;) By entering your email you expressly consent to receive our newsletter monthly and other material related to Warp It Reuse Network. # A rough guide to reuse Posted by [Jennifer Clair Robson](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/author/jennifer-clair-robson) on 25-May-2022 19:46:02 ![Jennifer Clair Robson](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/Jennifer%20Clair%20R%20.jpg) Find me on: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/myWARPIT) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferclairrobson/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JenClairRobson) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Almost anything can be reused or repurposed and benefits include avoiding landfill, reducing waste, and saving money. [See more on the benefits reuse offers.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/backtobasics) The Warp It redistribution system [allows its members](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/strenthtostrength) to swap or donate unwanted and unloved items, saving money, and diverting them from landfill. This includes electrical equipment, office furniture, soft furnishings, stationery, and other consumables such as and ink jet cartridges, uniforms and corporate workwear, lab equipment, and medical equipment. It’s not just limited to this. Any resource can be reused if it’s safe and legal to do so. More unusual items reused through Warp It have included clothes horses, tuxedos, paper weights, and even a [brandy bottle](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/a-bottle-of-brandy-and-amazing-customer-feedback). *Here are our tips on how you can supplement your reuse activities at work and also introduce it other areas of your life.*   **Mend and repair** **![mend and repair](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mend%20and%20repair.jpg?width=1600&name=mend%20and%20repair.jpg)** New isn’t always necessary or better. Keeping what we already have, such as clothes, furniture, and electronic equipment functioning saves money and reduces the negative impact on the environment. Mend clothing and repair boots, shoes, and bags whenever possible. Old clothes can be customised to give them a fresh lease of life, and it is certainly cheaper to re-heel shoes than replace. Corporate workwear and uniforms are [often reused through Warp It](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/reuse-uniforms) and you can get advice on caring for, repairing and upcycling clothing [here](https://www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/care-repair). If you don’t have the time or skills to repair, see if there is a [repair café near you](https://www.repaircafe.org/en/) or contact the manufacturer of the product and see if they offer a repair service. **Repurpose or upcycle** **![upcycle](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/upcycle.jpg?width=1600&name=upcycle.jpg)** Think outside the box. Before you chuck something away ask yourself if it could be re-purposed or upcycled. Old sheets and towels are great to use as cleaning rags, cans and plastic bottles can make great plant pots, and glass jars are incredibly versatile; they are great for storage, paint pots, and for preserves. Wooden pallets can be repurposed into furniture, and even old bathtubs can be used as stylish planters in the garden. Shred old newspapers to use for animal bedding, use packaging like foil and egg cartons for art and craft projects, and you can even use old tyres to make a tyre-swing. Get creative ideas at sites like Pinterest and Instagram. The possibilities are endless. **Research before you buy** **![robust](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/robust.jpg?width=1600&name=robust.jpg)** Always do your research before buying to ensure you buy reusable and repairable items. This especially applies to electronic appliances and televisions, to determine which are the most energy efficient, durable and, if possible repairable. Make sure everyday items like utensils and tableware, cloth serviettes, sponges, and dish cloths are durable and can be washed and reused rather than thrown away after one use. Avoid single use plastics and opt for refillable mugs, bottles, and other containers. Use rechargeable batteries and, of course, always take a reusable shopping bag to the supermarket and other stores. **Swap, share, borrow or rent** **![share swap](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/share%20swap.jpg?width=1600&name=share%20swap.jpg)** Set up a system with work colleagues, friends, family and neighbours to swap, share, borrow, or even rent out items that are infrequently used or were bought as a one off. This could include books, CDs, DVDs, party decorations, formal wear, baby clothes, power tools, luggage, ladders, surplus stationery, audio-visual equipment, boats, and other outdoor equipment. [Check out our guide to hold a stationery amnesty to get started.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/clear-space-clear-mind-increased-productivity-increased-reuse-0)You can also get ideas on[ running a declutter campaign here](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/boost-staff-productivity-with-a-declutter-campaign).  **S****ell or donate ** **![sale](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/sale.jpg?width=1600&name=sale.jpg)** Sell or donate your unwanted clothes and accessories, books and comics, toys and games, ornaments and working electrical appliances so somebody else can use them. As the saying goes - one person's rubbish is another's treasure. As well as Warp It, online resources include Freegle, Freecycle, Gumtree, and Ebay. You could also sell at a car boot, garage, or jumble sale or donate to a local charity shop. [Read how the Warp It community helps charities](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/charities-urged-to-sign-up); over £3.7 million worth of items unearthed in office clearances have been donated to charities and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK and abroad so far! These are just a few ideas. Do you have any tips or experiences to share? Let us know! Now read [Why reuse? The benefits of reusing. ](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/backtobasics) [Five Warp It features to make reusing even easier.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/save-resources-and-cut-waste) [Tips and tools to get reusing.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/get-reusing-toolsandtips) [Don't bin the uniform; reuse it.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/reuse-uniforms) [Putting unwanted stationery to good use is the ‘write’ idea.](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/unwanted-stationery) [Start reusing today and register with Warp It.](https://getwarpit.com/register?__hstc=212534475.358e9558c4634bb0d992d659cf509e8c.1593511710243.1644423146849.1644434028673.538&__hssc=212534475.5.1644434028673&__hsfp=3570997368) [Read how to donate your surplus assets to charity on Warp It](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/how-to-donate-surplus-assets-into-the-charity-sector). Topics: [Tips and tools](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/tips-and-tools), [Featured](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/topic/featured) #### Contacts - UK & EU: 0800 0488755 - United States and Canada: (424) 781-3159 - Australia and NZ: (02) 80050 5828 - General enquiries: info@getwarpit.com - Sales: info@getwarpit.com - Customercare: daniel@getwarpit.com - Technical: sie@getwarpit.com #### WARP IT on Social media #### Charities [Not for profit & 3rd sector](http://getwarpit.com/charities) #### Recruitment [We are hiring](http://getwarpit.com/Recruiting.aspx) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img7.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img1.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img5.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img4.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img6.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img3.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) - [![](https://blog.warp-it.co.uk/hubfs/getwarpit_Nov2016%20Theme/footer-img2.png)](http://getwarpit.com/awards) Copyright © 2014 WasteAction Resource Efficiency, All Rights Reserved