Local charities plea for donations that count, not cost
Wingecarribee Shire Council is working with local charities to tackle illegal dumping at stores and donation bins across the Shire.
Council’s Regional Illegal Dumping Project Officer, Sara Rich, explained that dumping large and unusable items on kerbsides and around charity bins cost our charities thousands of dollars each year.
“Local charities offer an important service to our community and unfortunately, they often pay the price when used as a lazy alternative to the responsible disposal of waste.”
A recent survey conducted by Council revealed that dirty nappies, a used toilet and green waste were amongst some of the items inappropriately disposed of.
With the help of a grant from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Council is set to embark on an awareness campaign aiming to reduce illegal dumping at charity stores.
New signage is being provided to local charities to encourage community donations that count, not cost.
St Vincent de Paul’s Retail Operations Manager, Rod Douglas, explained that last financial year the charity spent close to $83,000 in waste disposal across their Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale stores.
“Sadly when we receive donations that are poor quality, broken or cannot be accepted for safety reasons we must dispose of them,” said Mr Douglas.
“This places extra pressure on our volunteers and costs money that would otherwise be directed to our services and assisting people in the community,” he continued.
Mr Douglas said St Vincent de Paul was pleased to receive new and used items in excellent condition including clothes and books.
“We encourage people to give donations that they would also be happy to donate to a friend,” he said.
Dumping unwanted articles outside a charity store or bin is not only illegal but offenders may be subject to an on-the-spot fine of $2000 up to a maximum penalty of $250,000.
Rewards are offered for information leading to a prosecution or fine.
For more information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/illegal-dumping.