Stop buying new things. Everything here is free!

The Free Store is your one-stop shop to donate stuff you don’t want anymore and pick-up things you do want for FREE. Essentially, this is a “thrift store” where everything is free for members of the uOttawa community (students, staff, and alumni).

Our goal is to create a campus where waste is a thing of the past. By creating a space where anyone can drop off and pick up stuff, we hope to reduce consumption by offering free items to the campus. We want to make sure that items have a second chance to be used before they go to the landfill or off for recycling.

Some common items that you can find at the store are: used clothing, shoes, towels and blankets, office and school supplies, kitchenware, electronics, lamps, used textbooks and books, etc.

Free Store information

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When is the Free Store open?

The Free Store is closed from August 24 to September 5, with the exception of two pop up events:
  • August 28, Montpetit Terrace, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • September 4, University Square, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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How to access the Free Store

To access the store, please make sure to have your uOttawa identification when you visit.

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Rules

To shop at the Free Store, please ensure you comply with the following rules:

  1. Show your uOttawa ID (student, employee or alumni card) as you enter.
  2. Don’t leave your items on the floor while shopping.
  3. Obey any guidance or instructions from staff.
  4. Take no more than two shopping bags of items per visit.

If you break these rules, you will be asked to leave the store.

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Free Store donations

You can donate by using the red donation bin located in the Learning Crossroads (CRX), under the main staircase.

Acceptable

Please be respectful by only donating something that could be used by someone else.

  • Clothing and footwear
  • Towels and blankets
  • Office supplies
  • Kitchen ware and small appliances
  • Electronics and lamps
  • Textbooks and novels
  • Much much more...

Not acceptable

  • Large pieces of furniture (sofas, beds, wall unit, etc.)
  • Large appliances (stoves, washer and dryers, etc.)
  • Broken and damaged electronics
  • Hazardous materials
  • Food
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19

years since the Free Store opened

240,000

kilograms of materials diverted from landfill

45,159

hours donated by volunteers to keep the store running

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Volunteer at the Free Store

There is nothing we appreciate more than the time you donate.
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Follow us on Instagram

Follow the Free Store on Instagram for updates and news.

Where you can find us

Address

Montpetit Hall (125 University Private), room 142


The Free Store on Social Media

Book carts

  • Lamoureux Hall (LMX), 2nd floor across from the elevators.

  • SITE Building, Floor 1 near the bridge entrance.
  • Wellness Centre, UCU 205