It’s hoped this will also increase public awareness about what the network does.
The Reuse Network supports more than 200 reuse charities across the UK to help them “alleviate poverty, reduce waste and tackle climate change”.
It aims to divert “millions” of usable household items from landfill to vulnerable people’s houses by working with its members, the public and commercial partners to build “meaningful” connections.
Website
In addition to the new name, the network launched a new website, reuse-network.org.uk, with improved information, an enhanced Service Finder, a dedicated Members Area and an impact calculator.
The Reuse Network said it hopes this will give a better illustration of the value of a donation or for buying a reusable piece of furniture or electrical appliance.
Following on from the re-launch, the Reuse Network has also began a four-week public campaign called Every 2nd Counts, which aims to raise awareness of the work that the sector does. The campaigns Twitter handle is #every2ndcounts.
Craig Anderson
Speaking to letsrecycle.com, Reuse Network’s chief executive Craig Anderson explained some of the difficulties the sector is facing, and how the name change can help the network.
“It is difficult to find donations at the moment, the economy has slowed, people are buying less and holding on to more, which of course has a knock-on effect. 10-15 years ago there were 300 members, now there are around 200.
“Some of the smaller groups have been hit by falling local authority budgets, which may hit some of the services vulnerable people use. However, those members that remain have filled the gaps.
“We hope the new name helps to raise our profile a bit, and the wider public can immediately realise what we do. Before, if somebody heard the FRN, it wouldn’t immediately be clear.”
While the Re-use Network does deal with electricals, Mr Anderson explained that this does not clash with WEEE recyclers, and he has already had contact with some since the name change.
Mr Anderson continued: “Once it enters the waste sector, it goes down the recycling route and it can’t be used for us. A lot of electricals end up at civic amenity sites also, which we have very limited access to.
“We look to work directly with retailers, in particular customer returns.”
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