Vinnies, Salvos charity stores throughout the Illawarra again used as dumping grounds over Christmas

Some of the Illawarra’s charity outlets again became dumping grounds for unwanted items over the Christmas period. 

The Mercury’s photographs, taken on Thursday, capture the multitude of items dumped at the North Wollongong site. 

“It’s people’s generosity that makes Vinnies good works happen, and we appreciate all donated goods that are clean and in working order,” Peter Quarmby, executive officer of Vinnies’ Wollongong Central Council said on Thursday. 

“Unfortunately, like many other charitable organisations, our shops can often be the target of illegal dumping by those irresponsibly disposing of unwanted household items that aren’t suitable for re-purposing or resale.

“Those with genuine donations are urged to please visit a Vinnies shop during operating hours to drop off goods in person.

“If this isn’t possible, all donations should be placed in dedicated Vinnies bins; never outside the bins, our shops, or anywhere they can inconvenience others or encourage further incidents of illegal dumping.”

This is not a first for this site. Over the Christmas period last year, a multitude of items were dumped at the North Wollongong location. 

Meanwhile, the Mercury also visited The Salvation Army store at Warilla, where a series of unwanted items had also been dumped outside the charity outlet’s gates. 

Chris Rowley is production supervisor at the Warilla store.

Mr Rowley has worked for the charity for 27 years.

He said such behaviour was a year-round issue for the Salvos, although one that was typically worse at this time of year.

However, he said in recent times security cameras had been installed at the Warilla store, which meant the dumping of items had “slowed down a lot”. 

“They’re on camera… If they get caught they’re going to get a good fine,” he said of the latest offenders. 

“But some people still dump things, it’s unbelievable.

“When I see it like that, (I think) it’s ridiculous. People have got no heart really.”

He also urged those wishing to donate items to do so during business hours. 

“If we’re not open, don’t dump it,” he said. “If we’re open, bring it in and we can knock it back if we want.

“We’ve got to pay for dumping, so go and dump your own rubbish at the tips.”

According to the NSW Environment Protection Authority website, penalties for illegal dumping include a $7500 on-the-spot fine for individuals, if issued by the EPA ($4000 otherwise). 

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