reuse

Everyday

1. To reuse something means to use it again instead of throwing it away, either for the same job or for a new one. tree →
2. Reuse is the act of using things again. tree →

In the lessons

In science and everyday life, reuse is one of the «three Rs»: reduce, reuse, recycle; reusing saves materials and energy and makes less rubbish. Examples: a refillable water bottle, jars for storing buttons, the back of paper for drawing. Reuse is different from recycling, which breaks a thing down to make new material. Phrases: reuse and recycle, reusable bag, reuse paper.

Examples

• We reuse glass jars to keep pencils and crayons in. tree →
• Reduce, reuse, recycle! tree →
• Mum reuses shopping bags every week. tree →
• I reused an old shoebox to make a diorama. tree →
• Do not reuse a plastic bottle for drinks too many times — wash it well. tree →
• Reusing things means less rubbish goes to the landfill. tree →
• We drew on the back of the paper to reuse it. tree →

Note

Regular verb: reused, reusing (one word, no hyphen today; older «re-use»). Adjective: reusable. Trap: reuse is not recycle — reusing keeps the thing as it is; recycling turns it into raw material. Some things are not safe to reuse, such as single-use masks, needles or plastic cutlery meant for once.