In 2025 alone, Salford University’s reuse programme saved £32,000 and donated £10,000 worth of items to charities and other organisations. Six tonnes were reused, equivalent to 28,500 kilograms of carbon saved.
Originally launched a decade ago, the programme has saved the university over £293,000. Using Warp It, departments can easily give away or claim items unwanted by others, keeping them out of landfill and extending their lifecycle.
The programme has expanded beyond the university to include external organisations. One key partner is BAMEEN, a Hull-based charity supporting diverse communities through environmental projects, education, and community action. Through the scheme, chairs and tablet tables 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 Warp It, said: “An incredibly important 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 over the moon we could connect with BAMEEN to support them in their brilliant work. I was amazed to 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 delivered in person. Schools and colleges across Manchester received lab coats, and the university film production teams were supplied with equipment to create sets. Salford University students also received stationery and other items that would otherwise have been stored or discarded, supporting them in their studies.
The university is also introducing a “Furniture Reuse Showroom” where staff can view items instead of claiming them online, helping manage storage safely and efficiently. Plans are also underway for a repair café where university staff and students act as the fixers and people can take items to be mended. There are repair cafés across Manchester, and a trial run in September at Salford proved popular and will now be expanded.
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 and Handypersons.