Kernow Reuse Pop-Up Helps Rehome 900+ Items

October 22, 2026

Students at Falmouth and Exeter University in Cornwall were able to access affordable household essentials and make more sustainable choices throughout Welcome Week, thanks to the Kernow Reuse Pop-Up Shop, organised and run by SUEZ in partnership with Cornwall Council.

The initiative, which visited Penryn Campus, saw more than 900 pre-loved items sold and rehomed, including 25 bicycles, kitchenware and other essentials. In total, 1.8 tonnes of items were diverted from landfill, reducing waste and helping students avoid buying new household basics.

Lynn Storey, Head of Facilities, said “We were delighted to welcome the Kernow Reuse Pop-Up to our Campus. It provided students with practical support as they settle into university life and encourages positive sustainable habits that can benefit both students and the environment long term.”

SUEZ have extensive experience of working with Universities across the UK, encouraging them to become more sustainable by offering the opportunity to host a Kernow Reuse shop on campus.

Based out of a converted shipping container, the reuse shop provides a range of quality pre-loved items to help students settle into university life while reducing the need to buy new and keeping quality reusable goods in circulation. The initiative introduced students to the principles of reuse and circular living at the very start of their university life in Cornwall.

The pop-up was delivered as part of the wider Kernow Reuse initiative, which operates across nine Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) in Cornwall, providing opportunities for residents to donate unwanted items and purchase affordable second-hand goods.

Rebecca Parry, Renew Manager at SUEZ, said: “We’re delighted to be able to share our commercial waste expertise in this area and provide a Reuse Pop Up shop for the university. Freshers Week is the perfect opportunity to be able to show students that sustainable living doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.” “It’s encouraging to see so many students embracing reuse at the start of their university journey.”