Types of Reuse | WateReuse Association (2024)

FAQs

What are two types of reuse? ›

Agricultural reuse refers to the use of recycled water in agricultural settings, including irrigation of food crops, non-food crops like turfgrass, garden crops, and animal feed.

Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) reclaims water from a variety of sources then treats and reuses it for beneficial purposes such as agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration.

Ways to Reuse Water

For irrigation (again, both in the agricultural sector and for small-scale landscaping and gardening applications) To process water in factories, refineries and power plants. For indoor uses (such as to flush toilets) To clean roads or for use in construction sites, such as concrete mixing.

Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing systems such as hand basins, washing machines, showers and baths. When handled properly, greywater can be safely reused for the garden. Never re-use water from toilets, washing nappies or kitchen water.

Some common examples include donating used household items like books, magazines, clothing, kitchen wares, etc. It may also include using empty food containers to store leftovers or reusing plastic grocery sacks to line trash containers or pick up after pets.

What is an example of a material being reused? ›

Recycled plastic waste from sources such as used plastic bottles and recovered ocean plastic has found its way into everything from clothing and shoes to toys and office furniture. It is also common practice for most paper or card packaging items to be at least partially made from recycled materials.

Investing in products that can be reused helps save the environment and lessens the need for landfill. Swap single-use plastic bags for fabric bags that can be cleaned and used again. Other examples include swapping plastic sandwich bags for Tupperware and swapping paper throwaway cups for reusable mugs.

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community, the economy, and the environment. Products should only be recycled if they cannot be reduced or reused.

Helps sustain the environment for future generations. Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators. Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

There are two broad types of recycling operations: internal and external. Internal recycling is the reuse in a manufacturing process of materials that are a waste product of that process. Internal recycling is common in the metals industry, for example.