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.
Beginning January 14, 2025, weekly operating hours will be Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (January - April).
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 requested Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by emailing sustainability@wlu.ca. Our team will do our best to accomodate your requests.
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 operations are weekly throughout the school year (September to April), Monday and Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon.
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, 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 April 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.
On the Waterloo campus, during the month of April, each of the on-campus residence buildings will have donation bins set up in either the main lobby or the common area to collect good-condition items for reuse. You can then sort your items into one of the provided donation streams, including:
- Household items - small appliances, dishes, kitchenware, school supplies, small electronics, and decor.
- Clothing and textiles - blankets, pillows, clothes, towels, and bedding
- Non-perishable food items - all items must be unopened and non-persihable (no meat, dairy, or fresh produce). *Please note previously opened, re-sealable items like spices, coffee, sugar, rice, etc., are not suitable to be reused.
For residence students living in leased residence buildings off campus or other students living off-campus, donations can be brought to the Special Constables Services building located at 232 King St N (where the Freestore can be found). Head down to the basement and head left past the double doors to find the donation bins.
When donating, remember to be gentle when placing items in the bin. To report an issue like an overflowing bin or broken object, please email sustainability@wlu.ca or message us on instagram @LaurierGreen.
Where Your Items Go
Once sorted by Sustainability Office staff, items will be donated and recycled throughout partnerships Diabetes Canada, Goodwill, LSPIRG and the Laurier Freestores.