Don't ditch it. Donate it.

Don’t Ditch It is 91短视频’s student-powered reuse project, reducing move-out waste, supporting charity partners, creating paid student roles and helping students live more sustainably.

Don’t Ditch It helps Lancaster students move out responsibly by donating unwanted items for reuse, resale and redistribution. Every year, clothing, kitchenware, books, bedding and household items are collected from students and directed to charity partners, campus reuse routes and incoming students.

The project reduces waste, supports the circular economy, creates paid student employment and helps communities benefit from resources that might otherwise be thrown away.

£64,000+

Over £64,000 raised through donations from students last year

Over 42 tonnes of items diverted from landfill last year

We worked with 32 charities last year

16 student staff were employed by the project - giving students valuable work experience and project management skills

In 2025, Don’t Ditch It ran from May to October and worked with the British Heart Foundation and 32 other charities and organisations to divert more than 42.8 tonnes of unwanted household items from landfill. More than 4,300 bags of student donations were sorted, with an estimated value of more than £64,170.

How to join in

Why Don’t Ditch It matters

When students move out of accommodation, large volumes of reusable items can be left behind in a short space of time. Don’t Ditch It provides a practical alternative by making it easier to donate, reuse and redistribute useful items.

The project helps 91短视频 reduce waste, support responsible consumption, strengthen partnerships with charities and create meaningful student employment. It is a visible example of sustainability in action on campus, linking everyday student decisions to wider environmental and social impact.

This work supports the aims of the circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Student-powered delivery

Don’t Ditch It is delivered with the support of paid student staff. Student team members help with project logistics, donation sorting, communications, data collection, charity collections and reuse events. Student roles are advertised ahead of the summer project period. Look out for opportunities through ERS during April/May and July/August.
A sustainable student experience

Don’t Ditch It is part of everyday sustainable student life at Lancaster thanks to our partnerships with the British Heart Foundations #Packforgood campaign. It helps students move out responsibly, reduces the pressure to buy everything new, and supports low-cost access to household essentials at the start of the academic year.

Social impact

Locally, nationally, and internationally, Don’t Ditch It works with charities to make sure donations benefit people beyond campus. Our network of over 80 charities provide vital support to refugees, homelessness services, health research, poverty relief, food support and international aid.

Positive Action

Positive Action's initiatives help vulnerable members of the local community. Through DDI, the University has provided bedding, clothing and electrical goods to help individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

The Ripple Effect

?A small, local charity, who collect student donations to support refugees across Europe. This year, they sent in excess of 150 boxes filled with clothing, toiletries, blankets, sleeping bags and household items to Ukraine.

International Aid

A charity based in Chorley. This year, they received 1.5 tonnes of items to ship overseas or sell in support of countries in need, including Ukraine, Sierra Leone, and Moldova.