OVAM's Guide to Re-Use Centres
Updated on 29.07.2025
The report “How to Start a Re-use Shop” presents a detailed account of Flanders’ two-decade journey in establishing a successful re-use sector. It highlights how re-use centres were integrated into waste and social employment policies, resulting in environmental benefits, job creation for vulnerable groups, and access to affordable goods.
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The report targets the waste management, social economy, and second-hand retail sectors, with a focus on the re-use of household goods including textiles, WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), furniture, and leisure items. It also intersects with local governance and employment generation, especially for vulnerable populations.
For cities and regions, the document offers a step-by-step blueprint for establishing re-use shops, informed by two decades of practical experience in Flanders. Key practical insights include how to structure governance and partnerships, ensure legal and policy alignment, implement quality management systems, and develop branding and marketing for wide public acceptance.
These findings directly support the implementation of a Circular Systemic Solution by integrating waste reduction (reuse), social inclusion (employment), and local economic development.
built environment, CEAP2 key product value chain
CEAP2 key product value chain
including bio-based economy
<5 000
large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000
large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
