Sending clothing and other household items to charities when they are still in good condition is a good idea, but charity collection bins are not dumping grounds, says EPA Victoria.
“As we’re coming into spring and summer, many people will be considering a clear out of their closets and looking to update their furniture,” says the organisation’s CEO Lee Miezis.
“Our charity shops appreciate the donations, but they aren’t the place to take broken or tatty items. Too often we get complaints that instead of a saleable item, a broken piece of furniture has been dumped at a collection site.
“That can be classed as littering and EPA or councils can take action against people who are clearly not really donating but dumping.
“In June a man faced court and was fined and ordered to pay costs of nearly $4,000 when he and a friend dumped a broken pool table.
“Dispose of things correctly or the potential fine could far outweigh the disposal cost you were trying to avoid.”
It’s best to leave items during normal business hours; that way staff can advise whether your items are appropriate, and you don’t risk your once valuables being damaged by weather waiting for collection overnight
