Delaware Reuse Guide

What is Reuse?

Reuse is the second "R" in the waste management hierarchy - just after reduce, and before recycling. By renting, repairing, or buying used goods, businesses and consumers create less waste. Throughout Delaware there are numerous businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizens actively involved in reuse operations. This Guide is designed to enhance their efforts.

Reuse is obviously not new. Organizations like Goodwill and Salvation
Army have been around for decades. So have secondhand clothing stores
and consignment shops, equipment repair shops, and used auto part stores. Auctions, rummage sales, flea markets and yard sales are also part of reuse.

Over the past several decades, reuse has even become a significant part of the country's manufacturing sector. Numerous companies specialize in refurbishing and remanufacturing everything from office furniture and computers to appliances and building materials.

Why Reuse?

Cost Savings

Just as recycling has the potential of reducing trash disposal costs, reuse allows consumers and businesses to save money by helping them eliminate waste that might otherwise require disposal. Depending upon the product, some refurbishers and remanufacturers are even willing to pay money for good quality used items. Furthermore, the purchase or repair of used items helps reduce costs of otherwise new products.

Other cost savings are associated with the freeing of storage space in homes and offices. For example, it is estimated that as many as 10 million
obsolete personal computers are put in storage every year. The transfer of these computers to electronics refurbishers and computer reuse groups would mean a substantial reduction in unnecessary real estate costs for businesses and less clutter for consumers.

Tax Deductions

A donation to a non-profit reuse operation with 501(c)(3) status can result in a tax deduction based on the market value of the donated product. Donors are usually given a letter or certificate of exemption which is
needed for a tax deduction. Be sure to check with the organizations about the details and process.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Products that are reusable are generally called durable goods (as opposed to
disposable goods like food and beverage containers). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are 31.2 million tons of durable products (including clothing, consumer electronics, building materials, footwear, towels, linens, furniture, etc.) discarded by Americans every year. This material represents roughly 15% of the country's total waste stream.

Reuse gives products and materials a "second life," and saves the raw materials that would be used in manufacturing a new product. Remanufacturing, refurbishing and repairing all use fewer raw materials and conserve both energy and natural resources. By finding a use for that old file cabinet, sending toner cartridges out for remanufacturing, or donating building material salvaged during home remodeling, you are helping conserve valuable natural resources.
 

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