As the academic year winds down and Queen’s students finish their last exams and assignments, many of them are getting ready to move out of residence or off-campus housing in Kingston. While they pack their boxes, they will undoubtedly find some household items they don’t want to bring with them on the next stage of their journey. Queen’s will be helping them keep their furniture, small appliances, and more out of the landfill by hosting the Drop or Swap Event at the Rideau Hall parking compound April 27-29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (UPDATE: Due to expected inclement weather on Sunday, the Swap and Drop has been canceled for April 30)

“Moving always creates the potential for waste, but the Drop or Swap Event turns it into a big opportunity for Queen’s to put its commitment to sustainability into practice,” says Adam King, Off-Campus Living Advisor in Student Affairs. “The event gives students the chance to help other students set up or improve their off-campus living space, and it’s also a way to give back to the local community. We’re working with local charities throughout the event to connect them with items on their wish list, and all items that are unclaimed at the end of each day are donated to non-profit organizations in Kingston.”

Students are encouraged to contribute a wide variety of household items to the event, including furniture, small appliances, kitchenware, electronics, office supplies, clothing, linens, and non-perishable food items. All items dropped off are free to take for students and members of the community.

Several Kingston charities, such as Habitat for Humanity, The Goodway, and St. Vincent de Paul Society, will either be on hand to pick up donated items or will accept them afterwards. Some organizations have identified items they especially need, and, where possible, Queen’s will set them aside for donation.

Representatives from the Alma Mater Society (AMS), the Society for Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), and the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) helped plan the Drop or Swap Event. Student volunteers will also help Queen’s staff members run it over the four days. Last year, a similar event was organized by ASUS.

Moving out responsibly

The Student Community Relations team in Student Affairs has been connecting with students leading up to the end of the semester to make sure they’re aware of all the resources the City of Kingston and Queen’s provides to make the move-out period safe, seamless, and sustainable.

In addition to informational emails, social media posts, and posters advertising the Drop or Swap event, they have set up tables at high-traffic areas around campus and the University District to hand out helpful materials, including 800 garbage tags provided by the City of Kingston. Queen’s is also providing a large garbage bin near Earl and University for student tenants of Queen’s Community Housing.

Learn more about the Drop or Swap Event and resources for moving out on the Off-Campus Living Advisor webpage.