Exeter University's recycling initiative raises more than £70,000 for charity

Exeter University’s recycling initiative raises more than £70,000 for charity

This effort collected a record-breaking 4,675 bags of donations

2 years ago

An Exeter University student recycling program which collects unwanted goods from vacant term-time addresses has raised vital revenue for charity.

The Moving On initiative, open to all students leaving accommodation in Exeter and Cornwall, collected a record 4,675 donation bags, raising £70,125 for the British Heart Foundation.

The Moving On initiative has established donation points across the university’s campus, remaining open year-round to encourage contributions.

The average student generates 10-20kg of reusable items annually including stationery, kitchen appliances, books, clothes and bedding. The program collects these items, evaluates their condition, and sells the reusable ones in the charity’s shops.

Tim Reeves, BHF University Account Executive, said: “We are really grateful for the continuing support at the University of Exeter, and the number of bags donated last year exceeded all our expectations. Each year, using these donations, BHF shops and stores raise millions to help fund life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases, and we couldn’t do this without the continued support of students, like those in Exeter.”

The University’s 10-year partnership with the BHF allows students to support the charity’s work in fighting coronary heart disease and offers volunteering opportunities for both students and staff.

Nigel Morris, the University’s Sustainability Manager for Circular Economy, added: “To still be breaking records after a decade of partnership is an amazing result and announcing this performance in the year our Circular Economy & Sustainable Resource Management Strategy 2030 is published is particularly encouraging for the future.

“Our Moving On project now sits alongside other internal gifting initiatives, so I want to thank our students for their incredible levels of support and engagement. By further aligning our behaviours to the principles of the circular economy and driving sustainable change, the University is able to support those in need, contributing to the funding of vital research, while also assisting our drive for the reduction in waste and working towards environmental net gain and net zero.”

Featured image via University of Exeter