Free Store
The TMU Free Store is a pop-up store dedicated to helping TMU students reduce their environmental impact and save money. Choose from a variety of gently-used items like office supplies, electronics, home decor, kitchen supplies, books and more, all for free!
By giving items a second life, we are
disrupting throwaway culture and contributing to the circular economy
reducing carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of new goods
saving resources such as raw materials, water and energy
In addition to the environmental benefits, it also provides students equitable access to get the things that they need.
At the first pop-up store held during Orientation in September 2022 over 2 weeks
2,540
items
were rehomed
3,441
students visited the Free Store
1,266 lbs diverted from landfill
99% of students who attended said that they would be very interested in having the Free Store run throughout the year
Upcoming Free Store Events
The Free Store will be open during scheduled pop-up events held throughout the year.
To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to access the Free Store, we have a three item limit per visit.
Please note: All goods are donated and are being provided without any assurances as to their quality or fitness of purpose on an as is basis.
Eco Move Out
With hundreds of students moving out of residence each spring many things end up in the garbage that could be reused or recycled. To help keep items out of the landfill, the Sustainability Office has partnered with Housing and Residence Life since 2016 to coordinate an annual Eco-Move Out event, which allows students to demonstrate sound environmental stewardship by donating their unwanted items. In three years, the initiative has diverted nearly 600 lbs of items from ending up in the landfill.
Free Store donations
Accepted Items
- Office supplies + small furniture
- Home goods
- Bathroom goods
- Kitchen Items
- Small appliances
- Electronics
- Toys and games
- Clothing
Not Accepted Items
- Safety equipment (e.g bike helmets)
- Items for children (e.g cribs, car seats)
- Mattresses
- Opened or used cosmetic items
If the item is deemed dirty, broken, damaged, or too large, it will not be accepted.
How to donate
Donations can be dropped off in the donation bin on the 8th floor of VIC, 285 Victoria Street. If you would like to donate large or fragile items, please contact sustainability@torontomu.ca to coordinate a date/time for the drop-off.
How do I volunteer at the Free Store?
Volunteers are needed to help collect, sort, weigh, and categorize donated items as well as support the day-to-day running of the store.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact sustaianbility@torontomu.ca.