The Sustainability Team are pleased to announce the opening of our brand-new Re-Use Hub in Newton Building. When the University moves buildings or renovates, there are often things left behind which we can find a second lease of life for within the University. Currently, we use an online system, named Warp It, where items such as furniture and stationery are showcased online. With the new Hub, people can come view items in person and choose what they like – just like a shop!
The Re-Use Hub will be open 12:00-13:30 every Thursday in Newton G50. Don’t worry though – Warp It will still be used in conjunction, so no one misses out!
In 2025 alone, we saved £32,000 and donated £10,000 worth of items to charities and 3rd party organisations through Warp It. In total, six tonnes were reused which saved 28,500 kilograms of carbon which would have been produced if disposed of and a new item bought.
Originally launched a decade ago, the programme has saved the University over £293,000. By reusing, departments can easily give away or claim items unwanted by others, keeping them out of landfill and extending their lifecycle. The Reuse Hub will streamline this process by collect furniture from all over campus into one place, making it easier to reuse!
Salford University’s reuse action is changing lives locally and abroad
The programme expands beyond the University and we’re proud to say we can support external organisations by donating items, once they’ve been offered within the University. One key partner is BAMEEN, a Hull-based charity supporting diverse communities through environmental projects, education, and community action. Through the scheme, tablet chairs were donated to a Junior High School in The Gambia, improving learning conditions while preventing usable items from going to waste. For the students, something as simple as a chair means the ability to sit, focus, learn, and feel valued.
Zoe Pegg, Environmental Management Assistant who leads on reuse, said:
“A really special part of my job is connecting with charities and finding a use for the university’s surplus equipment. This is a great example of reuse not only supporting the environment but communities too, and thanks to Warp It that’s made possible”.
“I’m really happy we could connect with BAMEEN to support them in their brilliant work and see university furniture being reused so far and wide – it’s incredible to see our surplus making such a difference.”
More local organisations that have benefited include Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club, which received desks and chairs, local Salford primary schools, which were given a variety of stationery and furniture such as coloured card, pencils, files, and bookcases. Schools and colleges across Manchester received lab coats, and the University film production teams were supplied with equipment to create sets. University of Salford students also received stationery and other items that would otherwise have been stored or discarded, supporting them in their studies.
As well as the Hub, the team is also hoping to open a repair café where university staff and students collectively act as the fixers and people can take items to be mended. There are repair cafés across Manchester, and a trial run in October at Salford proved popular. If you’re interested in finding out more and offering your repair skills of any type, please email sustainability@salford.ac.uk
Zoe added:
“After ten years, Warp It continually proves its value. As a large organisation generating significant surplus furniture, equipment, and materials each year, reusing helps reduce waste, cut costs, and support charities both locally and internationally. We’ve surpassed our targets and I’d like to thank everyone involved, such as the Transport Team, Handypersons and Building Managers.”
So, if you’re interested in replacing your old furniture or need some new stationery, please head down to Newton G50 between 12:00 – 13:30 from July 9th. If you would like to donate your existing furniture please email/Teams message Zoe Pegg Z.M.Pegg1@salford.ac.uk.
See here for more information on using Warp It