Before you grab a stack of cardboard boxes, check what you already have:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Use suitcases, duffle bags, and storage boxes you already own<\/li>\n
- Ask local shops or supermarkets for spare boxes instead of buying new ones<\/li>\n
- Wrap fragile items in clothes, towels, or paper – no need for bubble wrap<\/li>\n
- Choose recyclable packing materials like paper or honeycomb wrap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Got food left? Don\u2019t let it go to waste<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
It\u2019s easy to end up with random cupboard items at the end of term – but they don\u2019t need to go in the bin:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Donate in-date, unopened food to local foodbanks<\/li>\n
- Share extras with housemates or neighbours<\/li>\n
- Plan a few meals to use up what you already have<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Recycling and waste: get it right<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
A lot of waste at move-out time ends up in the wrong place – so here\u2019s how to avoid that:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Make sure your bin lid is fully closed or it may not be collected<\/li>\n
- Take extra waste to the re3 Household Waste and Recycling Centre<\/a> (book a free slot in advance)<\/li>\n
- Keep your front garden clear and don\u2019t leave bins on the pavement<\/li>\n
- Red bins are for clean recycling only – no bags, and items must be loose<\/li>\n
- Glass isn\u2019t collected in household bins – use local recycling banks<\/li>\n
- Batteries and vapes must go in a clear bag on top of your bin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important:<\/strong> Please don\u2019t bring waste from your accommodation onto campus to use University bins or skips. These are not designed for household move-out waste, and it can lead to overflow and contamination.<\/p>\n
4. Don\u2019t dump it – pass it on<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
From kitchen gear to clothes, lots of items can be reused instead of thrown away:<\/p>\n
![\"List](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sites.reading.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-05-14-121819.jpg?resize=297%2C426&ssl=1\")