Do you know RREUSE? It’s Europe’s largest network of social enterprises in the circular economy, focusing on reuse, repair, and recycling. Discover how they’re making a real impact!

About the RREUSE network 

RREUSE is Europe’s largest network of social enterprises active in the circular economy, representing 34 members across 22 countries. Together, they give a second life to products while creating local jobs and social value. 

Among the materials handled by their members, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is the second-largest waste stream. Every year, RREUSE members collect  324,000 tonnes of WEEE, out of which 36,000 tonnes are locally reused, extending the lifespan of valuable products and reducing waste. 

RREUSE’s work is built on three main pillars: 

• EU advocacy: promoting stronger EU policies that recognize and support the environmental and social contributions of reuse and repair enterprises. 

• Network management: facilitating cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices among members. 

• Research and projects: collecting unique sector data and leading or joining international projects to strengthen reuse, repair, and recycling initiatives. 

Focus area: reuse, repair, and recycling 

RREUSE focuses on reuse, repair, and recycling as key strategies for waste prevention. By supporting social enterprises that extend product lifespans, RREUSE helps reduce waste generation, save resources, and promote inclusive green employment. 

The network demonstrates how circular economy solutions can be both social and sustainable, combining environmental goals with social impact through job creation and community engagement.  

Key achievements 

RREUSE and its members play an active role in shaping the European circular economy through advocacy, data, and collaboration. Key highlights include: 

• RREUSE Network Map: an interactive online tool to discover member organisations across Europe. It helps individuals find second-hand or repair opportunities and supports companies seeking partnerships with social enterprises. 

• Position Paper on the WEEE Directive Review: outlining policy recommendations to strengthen the right to reuse and promote fair access to WEEE for social enterprises. 

• Upcoming Report on Reuse Targets: to be launched as part of RREUSE’s registered action during the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), offering data and insights to guide ambitious and achievable reuse policies. 

Through these tools, RREUSE promotes collaboration, transparency, and innovation in the reuse and repair ecosystem. 

How to get involved 

There are several ways to support or collaborate with RREUSE: 

• Explore the RREUSE Network Map to find local social enterprises, repair initiatives, and reuse centres near you. 

• Share RREUSE’s policy work—such as the WEEE Directive position paper—with local, national, or EU authorities to advocate for stronger support of reuse and repair. 

• Join the upcoming report launch webinar on reuse targets (details to be announced on RREUSE website). 

To learn more, visit https://rreuse.org. 

Partnering with EWWR 

RREUSE proudly participates in this year’s European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), an inspiring initiative that places waste prevention at the centre of the circular economy agenda. At a time when “circularity” is often reduced to recycling, EWWR highlights the importance of reuse and repair as the first steps toward sustainability. 

RREUSE advice to EWWR action developers:
Partner with social circular enterprises to multiply impact and promote inclusive circular models. Explore our publication “Buying Social and Circular” to discover how private companies can collaborate with social enterprises, including real-world examples of e-waste refurbishment and repair partnerships.