A SCHEME to help university students move out of their digs in a way which helps the environment has been extended.

The Green Move Out initiative was set up 12 years ago for Durham University students moving out of their term-time accommodation.

Unwanted items can be donated to local charities, by leaving them in marked bags for collection, diverting tonnes of waste every year and contributing hundreds of pounds to local charities.

Clothes, shoes, bedding, electrical items, pots and pans, crockery, books and non-perishable food are put into distinctive purple bags for reuse.

Durham County Council and the County Durham Furniture Help Scheme have delivered distinctive purple collection bags to students moving out.

This year’s scheme has started earlier and covers a wider area to get more students involved.

Mike Costello, a member of Durham University Residents’ Forum, said: “Residents’ groups in the city are closely involved with the organisation of the Green Move Out scheme.

“This year we suggested it start earlier and cover a wider area than in previous years, and I’m pleased to see that’s what has happened.”

John Shannon, Durham County Council’s strategic waste manager, said: “Every summer thousands of students move out of, or between, properties in Durham City.

“We want to ensure that as much as possible is reused and recycled so we are aiming to help students to sort their reusable items from their waste.”