Laurier Freestore reopens Sept. 6 after pandemic pause

Aug. 29, 2022

After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Freestore at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus will reopen on Sept. 6 at 9 a.m. The Freestore is located in room KB02R of the Special Constable Service building at 232 King St. 

Operated by Laurier’s Sustainability Office in partnership with Martin Luther University College, the Freestore allows Laurier students to shop for household and school items, including dishes, décor, small appliances and stationery, at no charge. More than 1,084 pounds of goods collected through the Sustainability Office’s annual Move-Out Program make up the store’s inventory. Students may take up to five items at a time to ensure an equitable shopping experience. 

“The Freestore aims to change the way students think about using and reusing items, and positively influence circularity at Laurier’s Waterloo campus,” says Dan McGregor, outreach and programs coordinator for the Sustainability Office. “Promoting zero-waste behaviours impacts all aspects of climate change while addressing important social and financial issues faced by students.” 

The Sustainability Office will announce the Freestore’s regular operating and donation hours on social media in the coming weeks. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. To donate to the Freestore, email Dan McGregor at dmcgregor@wlu.ca. 

Items accepted by the Freestore: 

• Kitchenware: cups, plates, reusable mugs, small countertop appliances, etc. 
• Room accessories: wall art, clocks, hangers, small waste bins, etc. 
• Textiles: curtains, bedding, clothing, etc.
• Storage: bins, Tupperware, reusable containers, etc. 
• Bathroom: cleaning buckets and shower curtains 
• Electronics: keyboards, lamps, fans, small printers, etc. 
• School: binders, unused notebooks, stationery, backpacks, etc. 
• Recreation: balls, Frisbees, etc.  

• clothing  
• large furniture or appliances 
• chemical products of any kind 
• toiletries