Freestore and Move Out Program
The Freestores and Move Out programs are initiatives that help support Laurier's zero-waste goals and culture of circularity. Through these programs, we are diverting tons of waste from the landfill.
Freestores
Whether you forgot to buy something, need to replace something, or no longer have a use for something, consider stopping by one of Laurier’s Freestores. The Freestores are designated spaces on the Waterloo and Brantford campuses where the Laurier community can pick-up and drop-off new and gently used items free of charge. Items carried in the Freestore include everyday essentials, dishes and glassware, small appliances and kitchenware, and a range of home décor items. We encourage students to consider choosing a gently used item before purchasing something new.
The Freestore is also designed to support students by providing an avenue to obtain goods at no cost.
We encourage students to bring bags to carry their items but there will also be boxes and bags available to carry items out in both locations.
Locations
The Waterloo Freestore is in room K002 in the Special Constable Services Building at 232 King St.
Hours of operation are weekly throughout the school year (September to April), Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon.
How to Access the Freestore
To access the store, head down to the basement, go right, then continue to the end of the hallway.
For those who are not able to attend during the hours of operation, individual appointments to browse the Freestore can be made Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by emailing sustainability@wlu.ca.
Guidelines
- Before you leave, see a staff member to weigh your items so we can keep track of volumes of goods that have been diverted from landfill.
- We ask that you do not remove items in the donation bin outside the door as they have not gone through proper screening by staff members yet.
- As you would with new items, we strongly recommend washing all items before using.
The Brantford Freestore is located in the Level 1 Lounge in the basement of One Market at 1 Market St.
Hours of operation are by appointment until September.
How to Access the Freestore
To access the store once you're in the Level 1 Lounge, head down the hallway next to the kitchenette. The store is around the corner on the right.
Users of the Freestore must present their OneCard to gain access to the space.
Guidelines
- Students may take up to three items.
- Have a staff member weigh your items so that we can track the volume of goods being diverted from the landfill.
- To ensure all students have a chance to use the program, we ask the Freestore only be used when needed.
- We ask that you do not remove items in the donation bin outside the door as they have not gone through proper screening by staff members yet.
How to Donate
Consider donating good condition, clean items you are no longer using or items you are considering replacing so others may get use out of them.
Waterloo Freestore Drop-Off
Drop-offs can be made year-round, in person during operating hours listed above, during the Move Out program which runs at the end of the Winter semester, or by gently placing them in the donation bin outside the Freestore door.
Brantford Freestore Drop-Off
Drop-offs can be made year-round either at the front desk of the Level 1 Lounge and in the yellow donation bin outside the Freestore, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Any inquires about the Brantford Freestore or making a donation can be directed to tbritz@wlu.ca.
Our Partners
The Waterloo Freestore is run by the Sustainability Office in partnership with Martin Luther University College, any questions or concerns should be directed to Dan McGregor at dmcgregor@wlu.ca.
The Brantford Freestore is run by the Dean of Students Office in partnership with the Sustainability Office, any questions or concerns should be directed to Tyler Britz at tbritz@wlu.ca.
Move-Out Program
The end of the year can be a stressful and busy time with studying for final exams and getting ready to move out of residence or off campus housing. This is when we see a lot of items we no longer need or no longer have space for end up getting left behind or make their way to the landfill.
The Move Out program at Laurier has been operating since 2016 and will be returning to the Waterloo and Brantford campus again in spring 2025. This program has successfully diverted over 30 tons of waste since its inception, supporting a variety of community programs.
How to Use the Program
Many of these gently used items can still be used! Consider using the Move Out program and make your transition off campus environmentally friendly.
During winter term exams, look for our bins labelled Move Out Donations Bin, and please be gentle when placing items inside.
The bins will be available in residence buildings to collect a variety of items including e-waste, textiles, household items and school supplies.
Where Your Items Go
Once sorted by Sustainability Office staff, items will be donated and recycled throughout partnerships with Greentec, Diabetes Canada, Goodwill, LSPIRG and the Freestore.