Reuse: 26 million adults purchased second-hand last year

Young shoppers are the leading purchasers of second-hand items, with 61% of 18-34-year-olds buying re-used or repaired goods, compared to just 35% of those over 55. 

The poll – conducted by Opinium – found that the cost-of-living crisis has significantly impacted the trend, with 30% of UK adults more likely to buy second-hand as a result. 

Additionally, almost 16 million shoppers (29% of adults) have reined in their spending on clothes and 20% said they are buying fewer electrical goods.   

One quarter (24%) of adults said they are more likely to buy re-used or second-hand items this year than in 2024. 

At the same time, 40% of consumers said they were hesitant to buy reused goods due to concerns over quality, while one in five (18%) worry about being scammed. 

John Scanlon, CEO at Suez recycling and recovery UK, commented: “The UK has a massive waste challenge – if all nations consumed at the same rate as us, we would need over two and half planet earths to sustain our demands. So, it is hugely positive to see the surging popularity of re-use and repair. We have seen new generations embracing buying pre-loved or refurbished goods, often driven by environmental concerns and the rise in the cost of living. 

“However, the repair and re-use movement still faces major impediments and disincentives. Government action is needed to level the playing field and give consumers the confidence to buy re-used or repaired goods, which would help turbocharge the shift towards a more circular economy. 

“The benefits are also more than environmental. This activity creates skilled green jobs and training opportunities; generates revenue for councils, community organisations and local SMEs; and provides essential goods at prices more people can afford.” 

The Repair, Re-use, Reform manifesto 

A separate report from Suez – named “Repair, Re-use, Reform” – called for policy changes to encourage a circular economy, including: 

• Reducing VAT on all re-used, refurbished and repaired goods to 10%, including spare parts and labour, to make second-hand items more financially accessible. 

• Expanding the Right to Repair, ensuring consumers have access to affordable repairs. 

• Establishing a national accreditation scheme for tested and repaired products to give consumers confidence. 

• Investing in re-use infrastructure, including the creation of a £250 million Re-use Development Loan Fund. 

The reuse manifesto further found that if every UK household reused or repaired just two extra items a year, it would keep 23 million more items in use, generating £1.6 billion for local economies and creating 74,200 skilled jobs. 

Suez has been operating reuse shops in the UK for 14 years and now has over 30 nationally. In 2023, Suez’s shops diverted more than half a million items for re-use.