In a world where sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important, it's disheartening to see instances of thoughtless actions that undermine these efforts.

One such incident recently occurred in the car park of a Woolworths in Balmain, an inner-city suburb of Sydney.

Residents have been criticised for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside charity bins, which have now been rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall.

This issue is not unique to Balmain; it's a nationwide problem. Well-intentioned individuals attempting to donate their unwanted items often find the charity bins full.

Instead of taking their items back home, they leave them beside the bins. However, this act can have detrimental effects.

Locals were dismayed at donors leaving bags for charity bins as it was rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall. Image: Facebook

In Balmain, at least a dozen bags of clothing were left in the Woolworths car park. Unfortunately, the recent rainfall has ruined these items, making them unsuitable for donation.

A local resident took to social media to express her frustration and urge her community to act more responsibly.

'If you see them full, please don’t leave/dump your items on the ground,' she wrote. 'Despite the sunny conditions of last week, the rain has appeared and now likely rendered what may have been usable now no longer viable.'

'In addition, many operators have volunteers who have to sift through this, and the operator will then have to pay for disposal costs, eating into otherwise valuable resources,’ she added.

The issue extends beyond the waste of potentially usable items. Many charity organisations rely on volunteers to sort through donations. When items are left outside and exposed to the elements, these volunteers are left with the unpleasant task of sifting through ruined goods.

Furthermore, the disposal of these unusable items incurs costs for the charity, diverting funds that could have been used for their core charitable activities.

‘These bins are emptied regularly, but sometimes operators lack staff or may have had issues with vehicles (which has happened in the past), so hoping you can wait until the next cycle if it’s full,’ the local resident explained.

The public response to this incident has been one of frustration and disbelief.

Many people expressed their inability to understand why individuals would leave their donations in such a manner, especially when there are several charity shops in nearby Rozelle, including Noffs, Red Cross, and Vinnies.

Riley Aickin from textile recovery and recycling organisation Upparel recommends creating a 'dialogue' with charities.

'It's about conscious donating rather than “I don't want this anymore, so now it's someone else's problem”,' he told a news source.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued guidelines for donating second-hand items. If a charity bin is full or a shop is closed, donors should not leave items outside.

Doing so is an illegal offence and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

While this incident highlights a significant issue, it's important to note that there are innovative solutions emerging to combat Australia's problem with fast fashion.

In a world-first trial, farmers are lining their fields with old apparel, bringing our clothes right back to where they started—the cotton crops.

This full-circle moment could potentially revolutionise the way we deal with unwanted clothing.

Key Takeaways

• Residents in Balmain, Sydney's Inner West, are facing criticism for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside full charity bins, which have now been ruined by rain.
• The dumped clothes in the Woolworths car park will likely end up in a landfill, with the overflow from charity bins being a nationwide issue.
• Riley Aickin from Upparel advises consciously donating and establishing a dialogue with charities instead of leaving items as someone else's problem.
• The NSW Environment Protection Authority warns that leaving items outside full charity bins or closed shops is illegal and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

Have you encountered a similar situation in your local area? What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The photo in the article is commonplace of what I see at charity bins around Dandenong, Melbourne. Even some 20ish year old girl was trying on clothes left in a shopping trolley next to the bus stop on McCrae Street. Stripped down to her undies, trying on jeans to t-shirts to trackies and hoodies. All in plain sight of scores of shoppers waiting for buses, all the while in sub 10 degree temperatures!

The things you see in Downtown Dandy....

 

[Rosi Gordon]

In a world where sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important, it's disheartening to see instances of thoughtless actions that undermine these efforts.

One such incident recently occurred in the car park of a Woolworths in Balmain, an inner-city suburb of Sydney.

Residents have been criticised for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside charity bins, which have now been rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall.

This issue is not unique to Balmain; it's a nationwide problem. Well-intentioned individuals attempting to donate their unwanted items often find the charity bins full.

Instead of taking their items back home, they leave them beside the bins. However, this act can have detrimental effects.

View attachment 38086

Locals were dismayed at donors leaving bags for charity bins as it was rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall. Image: Facebook

In Balmain, at least a dozen bags of clothing were left in the Woolworths car park. Unfortunately, the recent rainfall has ruined these items, making them unsuitable for donation.

A local resident took to social media to express her frustration and urge her community to act more responsibly.

'If you see them full, please don’t leave/dump your items on the ground,' she wrote. 'Despite the sunny conditions of last week, the rain has appeared and now likely rendered what may have been usable now no longer viable.'

'In addition, many operators have volunteers who have to sift through this, and the operator will then have to pay for disposal costs, eating into otherwise valuable resources,’ she added.

The issue extends beyond the waste of potentially usable items. Many charity organisations rely on volunteers to sort through donations. When items are left outside and exposed to the elements, these volunteers are left with the unpleasant task of sifting through ruined goods.

Furthermore, the disposal of these unusable items incurs costs for the charity, diverting funds that could have been used for their core charitable activities.

‘These bins are emptied regularly, but sometimes operators lack staff or may have had issues with vehicles (which has happened in the past), so hoping you can wait until the next cycle if it’s full,’ the local resident explained.

The public response to this incident has been one of frustration and disbelief.

Many people expressed their inability to understand why individuals would leave their donations in such a manner, especially when there are several charity shops in nearby Rozelle, including Noffs, Red Cross, and Vinnies.

Riley Aickin from textile recovery and recycling organisation Upparel recommends creating a 'dialogue' with charities.

'It's about conscious donating rather than “I don't want this anymore, so now it's someone else's problem”,' he told a news source.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued guidelines for donating second-hand items. If a charity bin is full or a shop is closed, donors should not leave items outside.

Doing so is an illegal offence and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

While this incident highlights a significant issue, it's important to note that there are innovative solutions emerging to combat Australia's problem with fast fashion.

In a world-first trial, farmers are lining their fields with old apparel, bringing our clothes right back to where they started—the cotton crops.

This full-circle moment could potentially revolutionise the way we deal with unwanted clothing.

Key Takeaways

• Residents in Balmain, Sydney's Inner West, are facing criticism for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside full charity bins, which have now been ruined by rain.
• The dumped clothes in the Woolworths car park will likely end up in a landfill, with the overflow from charity bins being a nationwide issue.
• Riley Aickin from Upparel advises consciously donating and establishing a dialogue with charities instead of leaving items as someone else's problem.
• The NSW Environment Protection Authority warns that leaving items outside full charity bins or closed shops is illegal and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

Have you encountered a similar situation in your local area? What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.

If the bins are emptied when full then a lot of the stuff dumped outside of them could be put inside of them

 

[novezar]

Let's all face the true facts. More than likely, probably 90% plus of "DONATIONS" are just complete rubbish & totally useless to anyone. Therefore the receivers of the "DONATED" rubbish have to then dispose of it. Why cant the donators just put their own rubbish in their own garbage bins ? U only have to ask the sorters what they think of the "DONATED GARBAGE", &, have to use rubber gloves to protect themselves.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Let's all face the true facts. More than likely, probably 90% plus of "DONATIONS" are just complete rubbish & totally useless to anyone. Therefore the receivers of the "DONATED" rubbish have to then dispose of it. Why cant the donators just put their own rubbish in their own garbage bins ? U only have to ask the sorters what they think of the "DONATED GARBAGE", &, have to use rubber gloves to protect themselves.

Just think of the Heinz 57 varieties of bodily secretions are on those garments. Not to think of used syringes in pockets. Double glove up folks!

Are we all enjoying breakfast?

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

In a world where sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important, it's disheartening to see instances of thoughtless actions that undermine these efforts.

One such incident recently occurred in the car park of a Woolworths in Balmain, an inner-city suburb of Sydney.

Residents have been criticised for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside charity bins, which have now been rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall.

This issue is not unique to Balmain; it's a nationwide problem. Well-intentioned individuals attempting to donate their unwanted items often find the charity bins full.

Instead of taking their items back home, they leave them beside the bins. However, this act can have detrimental effects.

View attachment 38086

Locals were dismayed at donors leaving bags for charity bins as it was rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall. Image: Facebook

In Balmain, at least a dozen bags of clothing were left in the Woolworths car park. Unfortunately, the recent rainfall has ruined these items, making them unsuitable for donation.

A local resident took to social media to express her frustration and urge her community to act more responsibly.

'If you see them full, please don’t leave/dump your items on the ground,' she wrote. 'Despite the sunny conditions of last week, the rain has appeared and now likely rendered what may have been usable now no longer viable.'

'In addition, many operators have volunteers who have to sift through this, and the operator will then have to pay for disposal costs, eating into otherwise valuable resources,’ she added.

The issue extends beyond the waste of potentially usable items. Many charity organisations rely on volunteers to sort through donations. When items are left outside and exposed to the elements, these volunteers are left with the unpleasant task of sifting through ruined goods.

Furthermore, the disposal of these unusable items incurs costs for the charity, diverting funds that could have been used for their core charitable activities.

‘These bins are emptied regularly, but sometimes operators lack staff or may have had issues with vehicles (which has happened in the past), so hoping you can wait until the next cycle if it’s full,’ the local resident explained.

The public response to this incident has been one of frustration and disbelief.

Many people expressed their inability to understand why individuals would leave their donations in such a manner, especially when there are several charity shops in nearby Rozelle, including Noffs, Red Cross, and Vinnies.

Riley Aickin from textile recovery and recycling organisation Upparel recommends creating a 'dialogue' with charities.

'It's about conscious donating rather than “I don't want this anymore, so now it's someone else's problem”,' he told a news source.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued guidelines for donating second-hand items. If a charity bin is full or a shop is closed, donors should not leave items outside.

Doing so is an illegal offence and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

While this incident highlights a significant issue, it's important to note that there are innovative solutions emerging to combat Australia's problem with fast fashion.

In a world-first trial, farmers are lining their fields with old apparel, bringing our clothes right back to where they started—the cotton crops.

This full-circle moment could potentially revolutionise the way we deal with unwanted clothing.

Key Takeaways

• Residents in Balmain, Sydney's Inner West, are facing criticism for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside full charity bins, which have now been ruined by rain.
• The dumped clothes in the Woolworths car park will likely end up in a landfill, with the overflow from charity bins being a nationwide issue.
• Riley Aickin from Upparel advises consciously donating and establishing a dialogue with charities instead of leaving items as someone else's problem.
• The NSW Environment Protection Authority warns that leaving items outside full charity bins or closed shops is illegal and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

Have you encountered a similar situation in your local area? What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.

With the cost of taking rubbish to the tip , it's no wonder some people just dump it at these collection bins. Anyone going to put up cameras?

 

[Mr Chips]

Whats that? Farmers are using donated clothing to line their fields? What is that? Are their crops getting their roots dressed for winter chills? What under earth does it mean?

 

[mylittletibbies]

If the bins are emptied when full then a lot of the stuff dumped outside of them could be put inside of them

Perhaps you could go around and check them all and let the charities know when they are full
Some fill up in a day, some several days, some a week. They can't check them all every day.

 

[Zemo]

Foundation members of the You Jack Society, no doubt.

 

[Luckyus]

Let's all face the true facts. More than likely, probably 90% plus of "DONATIONS" are just complete rubbish & totally useless to anyone. Therefore the receivers of the "DONATED" rubbish have to then dispose of it. Why cant the donators just put their own rubbish in their own garbage bins ? U only have to ask the sorters what they think of the "DONATED GARBAGE", &, have to use rubber gloves to protect themselves.

As they say ignorance is bliss?

 

[DLHM]

I’ve driven around looking for donation bins but they are getting fewer. This dumping of “goods” is one reason but also, there have been deaths attributed to people climbing inside and unable to get out of the bins.
Luckily, I don’t live far from an op shop that I can take my donations inside.

 

[Zemo]

Yep, the bottom feeders are sure taking over the world fast, aren't they?

 

[marni]

On the northern beaches and around Sydney there are groups who happily pick up bags of clothing from your home, just let them know and they have collection days.

 

[jjurgs]

In a world where sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important, it's disheartening to see instances of thoughtless actions that undermine these efforts.

One such incident recently occurred in the car park of a Woolworths in Balmain, an inner-city suburb of Sydney.

Residents have been criticised for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside charity bins, which have now been rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall.

This issue is not unique to Balmain; it's a nationwide problem. Well-intentioned individuals attempting to donate their unwanted items often find the charity bins full.

Instead of taking their items back home, they leave them beside the bins. However, this act can have detrimental effects.

View attachment 38086

Locals were dismayed at donors leaving bags for charity bins as it was rendered unusable due to heavy rainfall. Image: Facebook

In Balmain, at least a dozen bags of clothing were left in the Woolworths car park. Unfortunately, the recent rainfall has ruined these items, making them unsuitable for donation.

A local resident took to social media to express her frustration and urge her community to act more responsibly.

'If you see them full, please don’t leave/dump your items on the ground,' she wrote. 'Despite the sunny conditions of last week, the rain has appeared and now likely rendered what may have been usable now no longer viable.'

'In addition, many operators have volunteers who have to sift through this, and the operator will then have to pay for disposal costs, eating into otherwise valuable resources,’ she added.

The issue extends beyond the waste of potentially usable items. Many charity organisations rely on volunteers to sort through donations. When items are left outside and exposed to the elements, these volunteers are left with the unpleasant task of sifting through ruined goods.

Furthermore, the disposal of these unusable items incurs costs for the charity, diverting funds that could have been used for their core charitable activities.

‘These bins are emptied regularly, but sometimes operators lack staff or may have had issues with vehicles (which has happened in the past), so hoping you can wait until the next cycle if it’s full,’ the local resident explained.

The public response to this incident has been one of frustration and disbelief.

Many people expressed their inability to understand why individuals would leave their donations in such a manner, especially when there are several charity shops in nearby Rozelle, including Noffs, Red Cross, and Vinnies.

Riley Aickin from textile recovery and recycling organisation Upparel recommends creating a 'dialogue' with charities.

'It's about conscious donating rather than “I don't want this anymore, so now it's someone else's problem”,' he told a news source.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued guidelines for donating second-hand items. If a charity bin is full or a shop is closed, donors should not leave items outside.

Doing so is an illegal offence and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

While this incident highlights a significant issue, it's important to note that there are innovative solutions emerging to combat Australia's problem with fast fashion.

In a world-first trial, farmers are lining their fields with old apparel, bringing our clothes right back to where they started—the cotton crops.

This full-circle moment could potentially revolutionise the way we deal with unwanted clothing.

Key Takeaways

• Residents in Balmain, Sydney's Inner West, are facing criticism for leaving bags of unwanted clothes outside full charity bins, which have now been ruined by rain.
• The dumped clothes in the Woolworths car park will likely end up in a landfill, with the overflow from charity bins being a nationwide issue.
• Riley Aickin from Upparel advises consciously donating and establishing a dialogue with charities instead of leaving items as someone else's problem.
• The NSW Environment Protection Authority warns that leaving items outside full charity bins or closed shops is illegal and can result in fines of up to $4,000.

Have you encountered a similar situation in your local area? What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.

no more charity bins in Canberra st Vinnies have their own drop off in store same as Salvation Army

 

[Angela Cockburn]

On the northern beaches and around Sydney there are groups who happily pick up bags of clothing from your home, just let them know and they have collection days.

Where? I'm on the Northern Beaches and have never heard of this.