Reducing waste and reusing everyday items helps save you money and cut down the amount of non-recyclable waste you create.
You can take simple steps to use less and reuse more.
Reduce your waste
You can reduce the amount of waste you create by making small changes:
- buy only what you need
- choose products with less packaging
- plan meals to avoid food waste - find tips and recipes at Love Food Hate Waste
- freeze food you will not use straight away
- use refillable bottles and containers
- avoid single-use items where possible
- compost at home - find out more through Zero Waste Scotland
- reduce unwanted mail
- use re-useable bags
Reuse items
Before you throw something away, check if you can reuse it.
At home:
- reuse containers, jars and bags
- use both sides of paper
- repair items instead of replacing them
Clothes and textiles:
- repair or reuse clothing - visit Love Your Clothes for tips
- repurpose old fabrics (for example as cleaning cloths)
- consider reusable nappies for your children - find out more from the Fife Real Nappy Library.
Pass on items you don't need
If you no longer need an item, you can pass it on to someone else. You can:
- donate items to local charity shops
- give away items using community groups or online marketplaces
- use local reuse organisations
Recycle what you can
Recycling is the final step, after reducing and reusing. The easiest ways to recycle are:
- using your household recycling bins as much as possible
- taking additional items to your local Recycling Points or Recycling Centres
- return household batteries to where you bought them
