Items dumped outside charities and charity bins cost millions to clean up but research shows that 50 per cent of people who leave items outside charity shops or beside donation bins don’t realise they often end up in the bin.
NSW EPA Executive Director Waste Operations Carmen Dwyer said the accidental dumper problem could be fixed.
“Leaving items outside means they can be damaged by vandals or the weather and illegally dumped goods burden charities with the disposal costs.,” Ms Dwyer said.
New research from the NSW Environment Protection Authority shows that it costs NSW charities $7.3 million a year to clean up items left outside charity shops and donation bins or poor-quality donations.
“These people that think they are doing the right thing by leaving their quality unwanted items outside a store or beside a full charity bin need to know that charities still want those items – they just want them in good condition.”
“Let’s put an end to accidental dumping. It’s never okay to leave goods outside charity bins or shops on the pavement. If the bin is full, don’t leave your goods – donate in the shop, come back later, or use recyclingnearyou.com.au,” Ms Dwyer said.
The National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) is encouraging all donators to take a minute to make sure they’re donating responsibly.
“Each year, Australians donate more than 780,000 tonnes of clothing and goods to charity stores. That means there is a huge amount of good will out there which is great to see,” NACRO CEO Omer Soker said.
“But we need to make sure those donations count and don’t end up damaged and in landfill. Dumped or improperly donated items cost charities millions to clean up. If we stop accidental dumping, charities will benefit immediately.
“Thank you so much to all the generous Australians whose donations help charities fund essential community programs and assist tens of thousands of people in need. Charities need your donations all year round, so please declutter and donate all the stuff you don’t need to charity. But please donate responsibly: if it’s not good enough to donate to friends and family, it’s most likely not good enough for charity. And remember to donate in store or inside donation bins, never outside, to make sure your donations count.’
TIPS TO ENSURE YOU’RE DONATING RESPONSIBLY
· If you wouldn’t give a second-hand item to a mate, don’t donate.
· Rubbish and damaged items belong in the garbage bin, not the charity bin.
· If your local op shop is closed or the donation bin is full – don’t leave outside. Wait for the bin to be emptied or ring ahead to check when your op shop is open.
· Illegal dumping at charity bins and shop fronts can attract fines up to $4000.
· If you do have items to dispose of that are not appropriate for donation contact your local council to arrange a council pickup or to find your nearest waste station
The EPA has developed a series of posters and social media tiles focussed on how to appropriately donate. These are available to councils and charitable organisations to use in education campaigns
