"Donation Station" pilot in residential halls saves tonne of useful items from waste stream

The annual exodus from university halls at the end of the academic year presents a significant challenge in the form of avoidable waste, as students are often unable to fit perfectly usable items in their bags when leaving for the summer. This is especially true for the university’s many international students, often at the mercy of baggage allowances set by airlines.

In order to combat the problem, Kate Veck, Sustainability Communication and Engagement Officer, established a Donation Station pilot in Connaught and Garden Halls.

Donation Station boxes were placed in both halls throughout June, and items such as cleaning products, toiletries, hangers, room decorations, clothes dryers and mini fridges were collected. British Heart Foundation boxes were also installed in all halls for clothing and book donations.

In total (not including material destined for the British Heart Foundation), more than a tonne of usable items were saved from going in the general waste. By keeping these items out of the waste stream, it is estimated several tonnes of CO2 were saved. Around 85% of the donations will be given free to new students in September, while the rest were donated to local charity Life After Hummus for Camden residents — a great example of the circular economy in action.

Following the success of the pilot, the Sustainability Team will be exploring the feasibility of expanding the initiative to all university Halls in time for the summer 2026 move-out.

The Sustainability Team is also piloting several other waste reduction initiatives in halls, including testing new “binfrastructure,” introducing food waste caddies in student pantries, and recruiting Student Sustainability Ambassadors to develop and lead projects in the halls.