Did you know there is a place on campus where staff can access second-hand office furniture and have it delivered, all at no cost? Sally Northover is Macquarie University’s Property Sustainability Officer and she explained the objective and process of the University’s furniture store, located at Lower Ground Floor 18 Wally’s Walk – underneath MUSE.

The Furniture Store was implemented in 2010 as part of a bigger scheme on campus to incorporate more sustainable initiatives into everyday university practices. It has stopped over 8,000 usable items totalling $2 million in value from being thrown out while supplying furniture to faculties and offices that need desks, chairs and other items. The store operates a catalogue and manages a dedicated storage area to meet the demand and logistics of moving quality, used furniture around campus.

Staff can order items at no cost using an easy three-step process

Step 1: look in the online catalogue

Step 2: fill in the online request form

Step 3: the item is delivered.

Since 2010 Sally reports a few unusual things have turned up at the Furniture Store including a piano, wheelbarrow and Christmas tree with decorations and all have found new homes on campus. The store also donates furniture to Early Education Inc and the William Rose Special School.

Please note that kitchen items including fridges, microwaves and crockery are also accepted for re-use.