Making sure your donation counts and doesn’t cost
Donating to charities never goes out of fashion.
Your good quality clothes, books, music and bric-a-brac not only get a new lease of life, but they also support Australians doing it tough and help reduce landfill.
Remember though that charities are unable to accept items that are soiled, damaged or broken. Doing so only takes monies away from the charities as they then have to fund their removal.
“If in doubt, it’s best not to include it because if the item can’t be re-used, the charity is then responsible for its disposal,” said Council’s Senior Ranger Troy McGlynn.
The advice comes after 22 cautions were issued this month for vehicle owners dumping ‘donations’ in public places.
The increased incidents of dumping have led to all local branches of the St Vincent de Paul to install closed circuit cameras to monitor their premises.
“Charities should never be used as after-hours dumping grounds,” Mr McGlynn said. “Goods should never be dumped outside of a charity regardless of how late it is.”
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.
Council also reminds residents that not everything is acceptable. Some charities do not accept furniture and for both legal and safety reasons most do not accept electrical appliances. Old mattresses are also not accepted. Thoughtful donations of good quality clothes and goods will however almost always be welcome.
“Local charities play an important service in our community but unfortunately often pay the price when used as a lazy alternative to the responsible disposal of waste,” Mr McGlynn added.
“Please make sure your donations count and don’t cost the charity.”
For more information visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/charity-bins-shops.htm.