By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG’S Salvos and Vinnies stores are part of a new trial targeting illegal dumping at charities.
Disposing of unusable goods cost Victorian charities about $1.8 million last year, and the State Government is running a three-month pilot program to find the best ways to address the issue long-term.
Vinnies retail operations manager Michael Rawlinson said its Lonsdale Street shop was a target for dumping, including household and garden waste and car parts.
“Our Dandenong site’s got a bit of an off-street car park. We tend to have a lot of stuff dumped outside the store,” he said.
“It’s disgraceful to think that people would do that to a charitable organisation.”
It will receive lighting and CCTV cameras through the trial.
“It will have some impact as a deterrent,” he said.
“It’s not a 100 per cent solution.”
Mr Rawlinson said waste disposal took money away from the community.
“The minority of the community don’t realise the impact it has on charities like ours,” he said.
“The Dandenong area is really high for support from the centre.
“Think what damage you’re doing, not only to the charitable organisation, but also those in need in the community.”
He said the store always needed quality products, but encouraged donors to first consider whether they’d give an item to someone they knew.
He urged people to bring items in when the store was open, 9am to 5pm six days a week, or call 1800 621 349 for a donation pickup, because goods left outside were often damaged or stolen.
“Support us to help us support people in the Dandenong community,” he said.
Salvos sustainability and waste manager Donald Munro said its Lonsdale Street store was “not too bad”.
Its waste bill in January this year – the Salvos’ worst ever month for dumping – was $400, compared to $7500 at other stores.
“It’s all relative,” he said.
The Dandenong Salvos store will receive a sign, warning dumpers they’ll be fined if they leave items at the store outside opening hours.
“Please do keep donating, but please bring your goods to us when we’re open,” he said.
“We can’t survive without the generosity of our donors.”
