Better Reuse
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At the end of Trinity Term, the College community once again showed how small, practical actions can make a big difference. Working with Better Reuse Ltd and local charity Helping Hands, the College ran a reuse collection to make sure unwanted items left behind by students were put to good use, rather than ending up in landfill. Inspired by the initiative, our MCR also ran its own successful reuse scheme at the H B Allen Centre.
Over two collections in June and July, bedding, clothes, kitchen equipment, books, stationery, electronics and surplus furniture were gathered from across the College. In total, 1,297 kg of items were collected. An impressive 93% was reused, with the remainder recycled or sent for energy recovery. Nothing went to landfill, helping to save an estimated 8,652 kg of CO₂e* in the process.
Better Reuse specialises in finding new homes for unwanted furniture and household items through a network of charities and reuse partners to prolong product life. Although the company traditionally operates in London, Domestic Bursar James McLaren contacted them and they were able to pilot an exercise in Oxford with the Helping Hands Community Project, a local organisation supporting people affected by homelessness and trauma. Many of the items collected went back into the community through Helping Hands’ House to Home project, which helps individuals and families with limited resources set up new homes.
Taking inspiration, the Keble MCR decided to set up its own reuse room at the H B Allen Centre. Students who were moving out in September donated items they did not need for new (and old) students to “shop” through and reuse. MCR Environmental Officer Anna Taipale (2024 DPhil Engineering Science), who spearheaded the project, said: “The MCR welcomes a number of students for only a year and many move internationally, so there’s a significant amount of yearly waste generated from everyone buying the same necessary items, only to throw them away in the move-out. Not only that, passing on items between years lessens move-out/move-in stress and builds community. The room was popular and busy throughout the weeks it was open. Almost all items were picked up, with the few remaining boxes donated to Emmaus once the initiative was over.”
The success of this year’s reuse schemes reflects the enthusiasm of Keble students and the hard work of College staff involved in the clear-out. By making reuse part of the end-of-term routine, we can reduce waste, minimise environmental impact and support local organisations, proving that sustainability at College level can be both practical and positive.
* CO₂e diversion: Better Reuse has calculated the CO2e figures by using data produced by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (“WRAP”).
