The theme for the 2026 day is ‘Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity’, challenging people to view discarded items as valuable resources, a concept very much in keeping with Edge Hill’s commitment to champion sustainability.
The Big Campus Clear Out is Edge Hill’s annual campaign encouraging students to donate unwanted items, to reduce waste at a time when many start thinking about leaving their accommodation.
Dr Keziah Stott, Corporate Sustainability Manager, said: “The Big Campus Clear Out is a fantastic opportunity for Edge Hill to reduce our environmental impact and promote a circular economy by ensuring that students’ unwanted food and household items are put to good use rather than going to waste.
“Students really enjoy taking part because many of them are very conscious of their carbon footprint and protecting the environment.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to support some incredible local charities by providing much-needed donations.”
The University’s Corporate Sustainability team is supported by Site Services, Accommodation and the Students’ Union to collect from halls of residence, and students can drop items off at donation points on the Ormskirk campus. Volunteer staff and students then sort the items and determine who the donations will go to.
Charities supported in 2025 included Upholland Tawd Vale Lions, based in Skelmersdale, with over 100 boxes of clothing, household items including cookware, toiletries, books and stationery donated.
Students also benefit from donations. For example, the International Student Support Team re-home kitchenware, stationery and small electricals items through the Recycle and Reuse Scheme, and smart clothing is donated to the Student Life team’s Interview Clothing Project which enables students to borrow outfits appropriate for interviews.
Find out more about Edge Hill’s Big Campus Clear Out and sustainable approach to campus gardens, water, emissions, biodiversity and more.
March 30, 2026
