Reuse: Why Reuse is Better than Recycling

Reuse is defined as using a material over again in its current form without any significant processing that alters its material structure.
This is different from recycling, in which the used item is ground, melted, or pulped so that the raw material can be used to make a new product.

Both recycling and reuse direct items away from the landfill and back into our lives so we can use the material again. However, the collection, processing, and remanufacture of recycled materials requires energy and water, and generates some waste, air, and water pollution. Reuse doesn’t. This is particularly true of televisions, computers, air conditioners, and refrigerators, which contain hazardous materials that require special handling and disposal. Some products like furniture, clothing, and dishes are not recyclable, but they can be saved from the landfill through reuse.

Charitable organizations that operate reuse businesses provide a low cost option for people to buy the things they need and use profits to support social programs. Some organizations give eyeglasses, clothing, and bicycles directly to those in the US and other countries that cannot afford to buy them.
The raw material in eyeglasses is worth only a few cents, but the skilled labor that turns the glass or plastic into a lens that improves vision is worth at least $100. Reuse recovers the value of the item, which is many times greater than just the cost of the material used to make it.

Reuse saves you money. Repair broken appliances for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones, buy used things for half the cost of new, and sell old furniture instead of paying to dispose of it at the dump. Donations to charitable organizations put money back in your pocket when they can be used as tax deductions.