Students ‘Waste not Want not’

More than three tonnes of books, kitchenware, stationary and other reusable items were collected at the end of last term and over the Summer from other students, and these are now benefiting local charities and incoming students. Local charities have been poring over some 3.5 tonnes of donations to use or sell in charity shops. MIND, ELF, Devon Air Ambulance, Children’s Hospice South West, the Cat’s Protection League and a local women’s shelter have benefited from items. A ‘freestuff’ event on Monday 28 September will give away the remaining items to students – fancy dress items, pans, ring binders and bedding will all prove popular.

In addition, the ‘Students on the Move’ scheme helped to clear around 100 tonnes of waste across the city, with many household items recycled. ‘Students on the Move’ was a collaboration between the University, Students’ Guild and City Council. The aim of the scheme was to provide focused refuse collections and a series of ‘Community Clear-up’ days for students leaving their city residences during the Summer. Students were encouraged to use special bin stickers which allowed bagged rubbish to be quickly identified and picked up by city refuse staff. The Community Clear-up days also provided an opportunity for students to remove larger items of bulky waste. Many local residencies were invited to take part in the Community Clear-up events, coordinated by our Student Community Wardens.

Rory Cunningham, Community Liaison Officer at the University of Exeter says: “These projects have really made a difference. We consulted with students and permanent residents who expressed a desire for more targeted support when students leave their premises. The reuse of items has been a big success with local charities and fellow students benefiting. With other items swiftly and cleanly disposed of Exeter’s streets have seen a real improvement – I was told by a Culverland road resident that it was unrecognisable compared to previous years.”

Four thousand undergraduate students and more than two thousand postgrads are starting new courses at the University of Exeter this October. Welcome Week, held immediately before term starts, will introduce them to life at Exeter from Saturday 26 September. The Guild website has more information.