Don't dump on charities this Christmas

Unit Head of the EPA’s Illegal Dumping team, Danielle Playford with a volunteer from the Salvos store, St Peters
NSW EPA

Waste and Resource Recovery Executive Director Sarah Gardner said as part of the “Rate it, Donate it” campaign the EPA and NACRO encourage people to think twice and donate responsibly this holiday season.

“Most people are generous and want to help those less fortunate than themselves, especially during the festive season. Giving to charities is a great way to help but it’s important to take the extra minute at this busy time of year to think about whether your donation can actually be used,” Mrs Gardner said.

Research shows that around 40% of donors unintentionally dump their goods - at the wrong time or in the wrong place, costing charities around $7million last year to clean up.

NACRO chair and Salvos Stores CEO Matt Davis said checking the opening times of your local charity shop is a good first step.

“Donating responsibly means thinking through do you rate highly what you’re about to donate and if the donation bin is full come back later or go into the store to handover your donation in person,” Mr Davis said.

It’s also not worth the risk, as illegal dumping at charity bins and shop fronts can attract fines up to $4000. Tips to share on donating responsibly include:

• It’s never okay to leave goods outside bins or in front of charity shop fronts. If the bin is full, don’t leave your goods – donate in the shop, come back later, or use recyclingnearyou.com.au. 
• Rubbish and damaged items belong in the garbage bin, not the charity bin. If you wouldn’t give a second-hand item to a mate, don’t donate.
• 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.