Preparation for reuse

Preparation for reuse is one of the strategic pillars of the waste hierarchy set out by the European Union. It sits just below prevention and above recycling, which reflects its importance for extending the useful life of products, reducing waste generation and supporting a circular economy model.

In a context of overproduction and accelerated consumption, where millions of tonnes of electrical appliances, textiles and furniture end up prematurely in landfill, preparation for reuse offers an environmental, economic and social solution that creates green jobs and supports social inclusion.

What is preparation for reuse?

Preparation for reuse covers all the checking, cleaning and repair operations that allow products or components that have become waste to be reused without any further processing.

Examples of products suitable for preparation for reuse include:

• Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): computers, mobile phones and household appliances.
• Textiles: clothing, footwear and accessories.
• Furniture and household goods.
• Returnable packaging.

Applicable regulation

European Union

• Directive 2008/98/EC (Waste Framework Directive): includes preparation for reuse as a priority.
• Directive (EU) 2018/851: strengthens reuse objectives and sets measurable targets.

Spain

• Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated land for a circular economy: introduces preparation-for-reuse targets for municipal waste and reinforces the obligation to set up dedicated collection networks.
• Regional waste plans, in regions such as Catalonia, the Basque Country and Navarre.

The preparation-for-reuse process

1. Separate collection
   • Dedicated systems for WEEE, textiles and furniture.
   • Civic amenity sites and municipal collection.
2. Sorting
   • Separating waste according to its condition.
   • Identifying items suitable for refurbishment.
3. Checking and diagnosis
   • Assessing technical condition.
   • Identifying damaged or replaceable components.
4. Cleaning and repair
   • Disinfection, replacement of parts and cosmetic refurbishment.
5. Refurbishment and sale
   • Sale in second-hand markets or donation to social organisations.

Benefits of preparation for reuse

• Environmental: less waste and fewer emissions associated with making new products.
• Economic: savings in raw materials and a boost to the second-hand market.
• Social: job creation in the social and solidarity economy and access to goods at lower cost.

International comparison

• Germany: networks of preparation centres for WEEE supported by municipalities.
• France: a legal obligation to include repair and reuse points in waste plans.
• Netherlands: a pioneering model in refurbishing bicycles and household appliances.

Current challenges

1. A lack of dedicated infrastructure at scale.
2. Competition from cheap new products.
3. The need for quality standards and certification.
4. Building consumer confidence in refurbished products.

Relationship with the circular economy

Preparation for reuse turns waste into a product with a new useful life, which reduces the use of virgin resources, avoids emissions from manufacturing and creates a new economic flow within the circular economy. It is an intermediate step between prevention and recycling, with greater added value.

Choosing preparation for reuse means choosing a more sustainable and efficient use of resources. At Manglai we help companies measure their environmental footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting. Discover how Manglai can help you.