New report: Charities treated as dumping grounds

The Queensland State Government has taken the first step to tackle illegal dumping at charity stores and donation bins.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles released the “Does your donation count or cost? report on Sunday, produced by UnitingCare Community.

The report, funded by a $50,000 Queensland Government grant, found 8,200 tonnes of rubbish had been dumped at Queensland charities in the 2014/15 financial year.

The report identified rubbish including soiled mattresses, broken furniture and window blinds, green waste and household waste being dumped across several Queensland sites including Deception Bay, Kenmore, Kallangur and Browns Plains in Brisbane.

“Charities deliver vital services to our community. They don’t need to waste time and money cleaning up rubbish dumped at their doorstep uncaringly,” Miles said.

“This is unacceptable and irresponsible – a habit that we must break.

“We want to change people’s behaviour, and remain committed to a range of actions to promote behavioural change and improve attitudes around the disposal of waste.”

NACRO chief executive officer Kerryn Caulfield said the charitable recycling industry was the oldest and most effective recycling industry in Australia.

“Our members, their staff and volunteers, commit countless hours every day at sites across Queensland, wasting precious time and charitable funds acting as waste disposal agents,” Caulfield said.

“The proceeds from charitable donations and their subsequent recycling or reuse, finance and furnish community programs.

“NACRO members look forward to getting back to their core purposes which are to serve those in need and the provision of community services and activities within disadvantaged communities.”

St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland general manager Cassandra Ashton said struggling Queenslanders were missing out because some items being illegally dumped were spoiled or stolen before reaching their warehouses.

“We can use all the CCTV cameras, large signs and prosecution deterrents possible – however public education and awareness is the key to solving the problem long term,” Ashton said.

“We ask that if bins are full, people bring their valued donations to their nearest Vinnies store, or call us for large item pickup, and make a real difference to the lives of thousands in their community.”