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Furniture Reuse Scheme

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Is your working area in need of a new chair, desk, filing cabinet or other item? Do you have furniture items that are no longer required?

Furniture reuse scheme

Under the Furniture Reuse Scheme, we collect good-quality furniture items that are no longer required within the university, and redistribute to those who need them. This not only saves money, but also reduces waste and carbon emissions.

Since the relaunching of the scheme in November 2019, the university has saved:

  • Over £100,000 from purchasing new items
  • Over 21 tonnes of waste by reusing items
  • Over 52 tonnes of carbon emissions from not buying new items.

As of 2023, the scheme has expanded into stationery, so if you likewise need a new ring binder or holding file please do let us know.

How can I request items?

From 2022, we no longer use the Warp-It system. To request for an item(s), please:

  1. Email Sustainability Team at sustainability@gre.ac.uk
  2. In the email, state clearly the details, especially the dimensions of the requested item (e.g. straight desk- 160cm x 80cm)
  3. Sustainability Team will try to match your request from the database and arrange the delivery of items with you*
  4. The Portering Teams across the University assist in moving your requested item(s) to you.  Please be patient as it may take several days for your items to arrival, especially if they are arriving from a different campus.

*Items are only available for internal re-use. Requests are made on a first come first serve basis, so we apologise if the item you are requesting no longer is available. Finally as some of these items may have been in storage for a little while, we always recommend a quick clean when your new item(s) arrive.

How can I donate items?

  1. Make sure the item is in good condition (not broken/ with missing parts)
  2. Email Sustainability Team at sustainability@gre.ac.uk with dimensions and photos of items
  3. The team will email you and go through the next steps with you

The reuse scheme has moved over a thousand items to date; from files to pedestals, chairs and desks.  Where we cannot make use of an item internally, community research is conducted to donate suitable items. Together, we have donated more than £60,000 worth of items to local groups, schools and charities.

For more details, please visit our page, or contact Sustainability Team at sustainability@gre.ac.uk for any questions.

Current staff