Moving out? Don’t bin it, donate it

Why donating matters?

Every year, tonnes of perfectly usable items from student accommodation end up in landfill during move out. Donating items instead:

• Reduces waste and helps the environment
• Supports life‑saving research into heart and circulatory diseases
• Helps others access affordable, quality second‑hand items

British Heart Foundation shops and donation banks raise vital funds for research while promoting reuse, a win for people and the planet.

We have several British Heart Foundation banks across Colchester campus.

Keynes North Tower, Wolfson Court, The Copse, Meadows, The Pastures and University Quays.

Items they accept:

• Clothes & Shoes
• Coats, hoodies, jumpers
• Jeans, tops, dresses
• Shoes, trainers, boots (paired please!)
• Lamps
• Storage boxes and organisers
• Picture frames and mirrors
• Accessories
• Bags and backpacks
• Scarves, hats, belts

Tip: Items should be clean and something you’d be happy to give to a friend. If it’s broken, heavily stained, or unsafe, it’s best recycled or disposed of properly instead.

Don’t put these in donation banks:

• Duvets, pillows, or mattresses
• Broken electricals
• Dirty or wet clothes
• Food or liquids
• Knives
• Clothes hangers

When in doubt, check the BHF website or signage on the bank.

Moving out is stressful, so make donating easy:

• Start early, set aside a donate pile a week or two before moving
• Bag it up, use bin bags or reusable bags, tied securely
• Drop off on your last trip, donate on your way home or before handing in your keys
• Small actions add up, especially when thousands of students take part.