The European Union is currently revising waste legislation in Member States to shift towards a circular economy model, aiming to manage natural resources and material flows more sustainably. The circular economy takes into account the limits of our planet and aims to ensure the circulation of materials, reduce waste production and, through a change in production and consumer models, also create employment opportunities. Reusable centres, particularly if operated with a clear social mission like a social enterprise, offer significant societal benefits. These centres have considerable potential for job creation, as they involve manual tasks such as collection, sorting, cleaning, and repair. The emphasis on reuse and preparation for reuse is vital and will be reflected in waste management practices in the Czech Republic.

Items that would otherwise be discarded are given a "Second life," either repurposed or repaired for reuse. This not only allows households to acquire functional items, albeit older ones but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Reuse centres cater to a diverse clientele, including socially disadvantaged individuals, as well as hobbyists and environmentally conscious consumers who prefer items with a history. Moreover, these centres play a role in reducing social disparities.

Typically, reuse centres are part of larger "Collection yards" found in urban areas, where citizens can deposit sorted waste free of charge. Visitors to these centres can purchase items of interest for a nominal fee. In Chrudim, our city of operation, we have our own reuse center integrated into the Collection Yard. This initiative stemmed from an environmental-social project prompted by public demand. The Collection Yard and Reuse Center are managed by "Technical Service, Chrudim 2000 Ltd," with proceeds from sales supporting the city's dog shelter.

The establishment of similar centres is encouraged in the Czech Republic, with municipalities and other entities eligible for subsidies to build Reuse Centers aimed at waste prevention. Subsidies can cover up to 85% of eligible costs, with a minimum drawdown amount of approximately €20,410 in 2023. 

https://dobrapraxe.cz/cz/priklady-dobre-praxe/chrudim-re-use-centrum-chrudim
https://www.perspektivnichrudimsko.cz/clanek/chrudimske-re-use-centrum
https://incien.org/institut-cirkularni-ekonomiky-vyznam/

DIRECT SDGs:

• (SDG 12) Responsible consumption and production

INDIRECT SDGs:

• (SDG 11) Make cities and human settlements inclusive (SDG 11)

Justification:

• SDG 12 With smart recycling of things, materials, appliances, we will avoid storing waste.
• SDG 11 To give old things a "Second life" will help to overcome a social difference among people.

1. Why are ReUse centers ecologically friendly?
2. Who are the ReUse centers intended for?
3. What subsidies can be obtained?

The initial concept emerged in response to feedback from individuals visiting the "Collection Yard" with items they no longer required but believed could still be useful or bring joy to others. However, a legal obstacle arose due to existing legislation and municipal waste ordinances, which stipulated that items deposited in the "Collection Yard" must be disposed of rather than traded. Consequently, the Re-Use Center was established as a solution to enable people to legally acquire items from the Collection Yard. The project was initiated as a pilot program, and by the end of July 2023, the Re-Use Center had received approximately 900 visitors, with 300 of them making purchases.

Ludmila Kabelová, Michaela Vachunová and Roxana Vachunová
Spolek absolventů a přátel zemědělské školy v Chrudimi z.s.