Free Store

Overview

Reduce, reuse, repeat. Let's build a zero-waste campus together.

The Free Store is a Sustainability Office initiative to divert waste from the landfill. This program helps to rehome items that are still in usable condition to those that want and need them, such as home goods, kitchenware, school supplies and more. Learn more about what items we'll be collecting, where you can drop off donations, and when and where to find pop-ups across campus.

Free Store Logo

Upcoming shop-ups

We’re introducing shop-ups—quick 2-hour pop-ups around campus where you can browse a selection of our Free Story inventory. Take whatever you need (it's free!). We also accept donations at our shop-ups. Check out our list of acceptable donation items.

No more shop-ups this term!

Check back again next term. In the meantime, you can bring your donations to our donation collection pop-ups!

Upcoming donation collection pop-ups

Moving out this holiday season? Have a bunch of stuff you're not sure what to do with? The Free Store is accepting donations in SLC Marketplace on the dates listed below. Check out our list of acceptable items to donate.

SLC Marketplace

  • December 11th (9:30 AM - 12:00PM; 1:30PM - 4:30 PM)
  • December 12th (9:30 AM - 12:00PM; 1:30PM - 4:30PM)
  • December 16th (9:30 AM - 11:30PM; 2:30PM - 4:30 PM)
  • December 17th (9:30 AM - 12:00PM; 1:30PM - 4:30 PM)

Donations

The Free Store will gladly accept donations of your gently used items. Donations can be dropped off at the Sustainability Office (CPH 2385) on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm or by appointment. Donations can also be made at pop-up events. Please email sustainability@uwaterloo.ca to arrange a drop-off or if you have any questions about making a donation.

Acceptable items

Free Store sign in front of shelving unit with inventory

All items must be clean and in good working order. Please note that while this list serves as a donation guideline, we reserve the right to refuse any items not suitable for donation.

  • Art supplies (e.g. canvases, fabric, paint and brushes, yarn)
  • Books
  • Entertainment (e.g. board games, cards, toys, video games)
  • Electronics (e.g. keyboards, lamps, tabletop fans)
  • Home goods/décor (e.g. art prints, picture frames, wall art, trinkets)
  • Kitchenware (e.g. cups, plates, utensils, reusable mugs, water bottles, kettles, toasters)
  • Office/school supplies (e.g. notebooks, stationery, backpacks)
  • Storage (e.g. bins, pencil holders, baskets)

Not accepted items