More than half of all bulky items such as textiles and furniture taken to household waste and recycling centres could be re-used. Almost a quarter of waste electrical and electronic equipment thrown out each year by consumers could be re-used, generating more than £220 million in the process. Read our reports to find out more.

WRAP and CO2Sense are working together to create a national database of recycled, re-used and environmentally friendly products – and we’d like you to help us shape it. The site will take hassle out of finding environmentally responsible alternatives for products across a whole range of sectors.

We’re keen to hear your views on how the site should look and feel, so we will be running a series of online focus sessions to gather feedback. Interested in taking part? Contact Jeanine Willoughby on 0113 237 8452 or email Jeanine Willoughby or Melanie Chilton for more details.

Revolve, Scotland’s new national quality standard for re-use organisations, was launched at the Community Resources Network for Scotland conference. Blythswood Care and Furniture Plus are the first to achieve ‘Revolve’ accredited quality status.

Scotland’s national re-use phone line that provides a single number for householders to donate many re-usable household items, is continuing to build momentum as Christmas rapidly approaches. For information or to donate re-usable household items call 0800 0665 820.

Innovative or alternative business models don't depend on selling large volumes of products and materials to meet market demand. The common feature of these models is that they extend product life, conserve resources and prevent materials from becoming waste. Our innovative business model map showcases the range of business models available. Can you add to the map?

Round 2 of grant support is now available
Due to the success of the first round, we have launched a second round of the capital grant competition to increase the re-use and repair of textiles, furniture and WEEE. Businesses with re-use and repair initiatives can apply for grants of up to £50,000. Find out more and apply today.

Funding for commercial and third sector businesses
Our Waste Prevention Loan Fund provides an opportunity for organisations looking to increase capacity for re-use, repair or recovery of WEEE, textiles and furniture to receive loans to support their projects.

Business support for re-use enterprises
We offer a range of business support services for commercial and third sector re-use enterprises. Our experienced team of advisers deliver tailored, confidential support across a range of different project requirements, including marketing and sales, operations and management support. We can help:

• expand capacity;
• improve business efficiency and output quality; and
• organisations access finance through business planning and strategy development.

Please take a moment to let us know which topics you would like to see more of, and if there are other issues you would like us to address in future editions of the re-use ezine.