UofG Free Store
The UofG Free Store
The UofG Free Store is a student-led, office-supported waste prevention initiative that allows University of Guelph community members to rehome unwanted items and pick up desired items free of charge. The UofG Free Store aims to divert usable items from ending up in a landfill by allowing things to be given a second life and rehomed to another University of Guelph community member.
The UofG Free Store doesn't have a permanent space but exists through pop-up-style events across campus where UofG community members can leave items or pick up items from the setup location for a day. Items commonly found in the UofG Free Store included books, office/room decor, stickers and buttons, and ceramic mugs.
Upcoming Pop-Ups
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up
Date: Wednesday, January 10th
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up @ the Snow Days Resource Fair
Date: Thursday, January 18th
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Peter Clark Hall (University Centre Basement)
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up @ the Sustainability Resource Fair
Date: Monday, January 22nd
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up
Date: Wednesday, January 24th
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up
Date: Wednesday, January 31st
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard
Event: UofG Free Store Pop-up
Date: Wednesday, February 7th
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard
To find out about the latest UofG Free Store pop-ups and other neat waste prevention and reduction initiatives, follow @uofgfreestore on Instagram.
Accepted Items (the purpose of the Free Store is to rehome usable items that should not end up in a landfill):
- Kitchenware (must be clean): small working countertop appliances, cups, plates, reusable mugs, etc.
- Décor: wall art, art prints, hangers, picture frames, trinkets, etc.
- Books & Textbooks (any date and style are accepted)
- Storage: bins, pencil holders, plant pots, etc.
- Small Electronics (must be working): keyboards, lamps, tabletop fans, small printers, etc.
- Supplies: notebooks, stationary, backpacks
- Arts Supplies: Yarn, fabric, clean paintbrushes, paint, canvas, etc.
Items NOT accepted (some items we will not accept due to sanitization concerns, spacing, capacity and the general safety of everyone):
- Textiles: clothing, rugs, curtains, pillows, bedding, etc.
- Knives: We will not accept knives at the UofG Free Store. However, this item can be donated to the Guelph Tool Library's Circular Store.
- Candles: We will not accept candles at the UofG Free Store. However, this item can be donated to the Guelph Tool Library's Circular Store.
- Furniture or Large Appliances: Check out Guelph's ReStore or platforms like Kijiji to rehome your furniture or large appliances.
- Food: Non-perishable items can be donated to the Guelph Student Foodbank. We will always accept donations for the Foodbank at our pop-ups.
- Hazardous Materials: chemicals, cleaning products, etc.
- Toiletries: shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. If the toiletries are unopened, these can be donated to the Guelph Student Foodbank. We will always accept donations for the Foodbank at our pop-ups.
Note: This list serves as a guide for donations. We reserve the right to refuse any items not fit for donation! Please email us at sustainability@uoguelph.ca if you have questions regarding accepted items OR directly message us on Instagram at @uofgfreestore.
Search the Waste Wizard
Are you looking to rehome an item listed on our not-accepted list? You can search for that item on our UofG Waste Wizard, which will show you the options for rehoming or properly disposing of your item.
UofG Waste Wizard: https://www.uoguelph.ca/campussustainability/wastewizard
Have donations for the UofG Free Store? There are several ways to donate.
For individuals:
The most preferable is that you bring your donations to a UofG Free Store pop-up (dates listed above), where our volunteers will sort through your items and put them out on our iconic ladder set up. If you cannot donate at a pop-up due to timing, please email Myah at soengage@uoguelph.ca to arrange a time to drop off your items to us on campus.
For offices/workspaces on campus:
If you have items to donate, please email Samantha at sustainability@uoguelph.ca to arrange for your items to be collected for donation.