The University of Manchester’s Furniture4Reuse store is helping to extend the life of surplus furniture, redistributing items across the University and into the wider community.

Rather than going to waste, furniture is reused by staff, students, charities and community organisations. Last year, 56.735 tonnes of furniture were reused within the University, delivering savings of £420,606 on new purchases. This not only reduced costs but also cut waste, delivering an estimated carbon saving of 226 tCO2e, equivalent to the amount absorbed by 10,270 mature trees in one year!

The impact reaches beyond campus. During the 2024 to 2025 academic year, external organisations reused 27.204 tonnes of furniture, with an equivalent value of £182,095. Since the initiative started, the Furniture4Reuse store have supported 147 external organizations including schools, charities, community groups, churches, and the NHS.

One organisation to benefit is Shelter, which recently received support from Peter and the Furniture4Reuse team.

Emma Nay, @Home Project Coordinator at Shelter, said; “It’s great to see that the University is making use of items that would otherwise go to waste, and being generous enough to pass these donations on to charities and community groups. The items have made a big difference to our office space.”

Shelter meets clients with housing support needs at its office, but the environment had felt too clinical, adding to clients’ stress. There was also limited space for staff to take a break. Through the Furniture4Reuse store, Shelter received pinboards and soft furnishings, helping to create a space that people have described as much warmer and more relaxing. The team also donated a dining set, giving staff a dedicated space to take breaks and eat lunch together.

• Charities/external organisations wishing to visit should e-mail Furniture4Reuse@manchester.ac.uk to arrange to visit the store.
• For more information visit the Furniture4Reuse website.
• Watch this video to find out more about the Furniture4Reuse store.