End of year reuse scheme expands to 20 halls at UCL

We are proud to share the continued success of UCL’s end of year reuse scheme. Following last year’s successful pilot across four halls, which diverted over half a tonne of waste, this year’s reuse scheme has expanded to 20 UCL-managed halls, offering thousands of students an easier way to donate unwanted items at the end of their contract.  

A collaboration between by UCL’s Accommodation, Sustainability, and Soft Services teams, this initiative supports a more sustainable campus by reducing waste during the move-out period.  

In the weeks leading up to move out, students were encouraged to hand in unwanted items such as clothes, shoes, kitchenware and small electricals at their hall receptions. Donations were collected with support from Sodexo, UCL’s waste and services contractor, and will be sorted and stored over the summer.  

New residents moving into UCL Accommodation in September will then have the opportunity to collect items for free at reuse events, helping students save money and settle in more sustainably. Leftover items will be donated to charity, giving them a second life and supporting a good cause. 

Halls part of the end of year reuse scheme 

• Ann Stephenson House  
• Arthur Tattersall House  
• Astor College  
• Denys Holland House  
• Endsleigh Gardens  
• Frances Gardner House 
• Ian Baker House  
• Ifor Evans Hall  
• James Lighthill House  
• John Adams Hall  
• John Dodgson House  
• John Tovell House  
• Langton Close  
• Max Rayne House  
• Neil Sharp House  
• New Hall  
• One Pool Street  
• Prankerd House  
• Ramsay Hall  
• Schafer House  

Trialling new approaches to reduce waste 

This summer also saw the launch of a new food donation trial in collaboration with student volunteering group, Zero Food Waste Society. 

Taking place at six halls, Ann Stephenson House, Denys Holland House, Neil Sharp House, Ifor Evans Hall, Max Rayne House, and John Dodgson House, student volunteers collected 38kg of unopened, non-perishable food in just three days. Donations were redistributed to local charities, offering a simple but meaningful way to reduce waste and support the wider community. 

Looking ahead 

The expansion of the reuse scheme is just one example of UCL’s commitment to embedding sustainability into student life and operations. By encouraging students to donate instead of disposing unwanted items, the initiative helps to build a culture of reuse and waste reduction across campus.  

The total amount of collected items through this year’s scheme will be announced soon. Stay tuned on social media and newsletter channels for more updates, including details about the upcoming reuse event for new residents.  

Stay in the loop  

Follow @SustainableUCL on Instagram and sign up to the Sustainable UCL student newsletter for the latest updates and opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives across campus. 

For hall-specific information, follow @UCLAccommodation on Instagram. Residents receive a weekly accommodation newsletter, including details announcing the upcoming reuse event for new residents and other initiatives.