Prague reduces waste and applies the principles of a circular economy

The Czech capital plans to expand its current RE-USE project

On Monday 19 July, the City of Prague revealed its wishes to further expand its RE-USE centres project. Centres for the reuse of second-hand items were first established last year with the aim of minimising the generation of waste. With time, the project has proven to be successful as items that would otherwise end up in landfills have been given to others who find them useful.

The RE-USE centres allow citizens to deposit furniture, toys, sports equipment, dishes, books, and other items which no longer serve them. Such objects can typically be used for many years and are often thrown away while they still have their utility value. Therefore, the centres give them a second life and the opportunity to bring joy to other people.

Deposited items are photographed and offered to those in need. First, they are presented to non-profit and charity organisations. If they do not show interest in them, they are then made available to the public for free via the RE-USE website.

Illustrating how circular economies work

Through the RE-USE project, the City of Prague applies the principles of a circular economy as it seeks to prevent the creation of waste and keep products in use. Furthermore, the municipality explains that the transition to a circular economy is one of the four basic preconditions for the achievement of Prague’s climate goals, namely the reduction of CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030.

Commenting on the centres, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Environment Petr Hlubuček explained: “Up to 40 percent of the stored furniture in the collection yards can still be fully used. That is why we want to be able to store such furniture in RE-USE points in Prague and to be able to mediate its further use to the widest possible circle of users. It is not just about minimising waste. It is also about the good feeling that the thing we have given money for and enjoyed for years does not just end up somewhere in a landfill.

The example of the second life of furniture is a nice example of how the circular economy looks in practice. We want to give people the opportunity to get second-hand furniture and other household equipment today, or to get rid of it ecologically. We want to offer an alternative to the consumerist way of life to those who are interested.”

Currently, there are 3 RE-USE points where people can deposit items: Zakrýta street in Prague 4, Pod Šancemi street in Prague 9, and Horní Počernice in Prague 20. Thanks to the success of these centres, the capital now seeks to expand the project. For this reason, it has announced its plans to soon launch Swap events where people will be able to exchange items such as household equipment, toys, etc.