There are Times and Places: Systems and Practices in the Domestic Processing and Reuse of Packaging

Consumers' interaction with packaging in their processing of domestic waste has not been extensively examined by academics, designers or local authorities. Consequently there is little understanding of how ideas, actions and objects together result in the reuse of packaging, and when and where this happens. This chapter uses the findings from a research study to examine different ways in which consumers reuse packaging in their homes and draw out the principles behind these reuse practices. These principles are then tested in practice as the basis for packaging design that may facilitate extending the life of packaging and thus reduce domestic waste.