What Is The Reuse Directory? The Reuse Directory comprises of a wide range of reuse and repair businesses and organisations in the North East region of New South Wales. Its aim is to promote 'reuse' as an alternative shopping option, rather than buying new goods created with virgin resources. Its all about waste reduction (of both resources and your money!) and caring for our future. Who are the North East Waste Forum? The North East Waste Forum (NEWF) is a voluntary approach towards the sharing of information on best waste minimisation options between five local councils.These councils are: - Ballina Shire Council - Byron Shire Council - Clarence Valley Council - Tweed Shire Council - Richmond Valley Council The vast range of reuse and repair businesses and organisations listed in the Reuse Directory all lie within these council areas. If you would like to register or update a business please go to the ‘Add New Listing’ or ‘Edit Listing’ tabs above. Reuse and repair extends the life of products and this is an important part of resource conservation. By choosing to reuse, overall waste in our region can be reduced as well as helping our local economy through the support of community businesses and non-profit organisations. REUSE = WASTE REDUCTION Listed below is information on different reuse choices to become involved in or support. This will assist in your understanding of the directory. You can use the ‘Browse Categories’ at the bottom of this page to jump straight into the directory. > Reuse > Repair > Rent > Loan REUSE REPAIR RENT LOAN Reuse can best be described as the repeated use of a product kept in its original form. For example, a piece of furniture that is no longer wanted can be sold or donated and reused by another. Another great example is auto wreckers, where vehicles that would otherwise be left to rust may be pulled apart so that quality 'left over' parts that can be reused. Reusing saves the energy, resources, time and money needed to buy new products or to recycle items into other materials. In the long run, buying durable and good quality products the first time around is better in both a money and waste minimisation perspective. Money and resources are saved through the maintenance and repair or products. As an example a toaster which no longer works can be repaired and therefore used again rather than thrown away (creating more landfill) and another one bought (using energy and resources to make). Renting is reuse through the repeated use of a product by many different people. Money and storage space can be saved by renting items which would not be used often. Great examples of renting include costume hire, catering equipment for one-off functions and video hire. To loan something is also, like renting, the repeated use of a product by many people or maybe just one other person. However, loaning is a term often used when money does not exchange hands (but favours may be exchanged between friends!). Examples of loaning are through public libraries or by lending a product off someone you know. A unique method of loaning is through loan offices, or pawnshops.

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