By BRIDGET COOK
FOUR Casey charity stores are taking part in a trial to help prevent illegal dumping of unusable goods, which costs the organisation thousands of dollars each year.
Salvos stores in Hampton Park, Cranbourne and Narre Warren and Vinnies Cranbourne are involved in a State Government trial to test which methods work to help stamp out the problem.
It is estimated illegal dumping in Victoria cost charities $1.8 million last year, while nationally the figure is estimated to be $5 million per year.
The State Government is testing methods including new surveillance equipment, signage and fencing at selected stores around the Victoria, with feedback gathered over the next three months used to develop further long-term solutions.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the funding would help charities across Victoria address the problem head on.
“Too often old TVs, couches, mattresses and other unusable, unwanted goods are dumped outside or adjacent to charity stores,” he said.
“Many of these goods can’t be resold and must be sent to landfill, costing charities and the community money and time.”
The Hampton Park and Cranbourne Salvos have received new signs as part of the trial, while the Narre Warren store was given CCTV.
Salvos sustainability and waste manager Donald Munro said Hampton Park was one of the worst sites in the state for illegal dumping, with the problem was not as prominent in Cranbourne and Narre Warren as the stores are in busy areas.
“There’s a tremendous amount of rubbish dumped at that store (Hampton Park),” he said.
“We can’t use a lot of it as it can be weather damaged, generally damaged, rampaged through or stolen before we get to it.”
Mr Munro said it was great that Hampton Park was involved in the trial, but he doubted the effectiveness of putting signs up.
“This is about seeing what works and what doesn’t work,” he said.
“It’s early days, but early indications are that signs aren’t really going to make that much of a difference.
“Those who are going to illegally dump goods are going to do so regardless of whether there’s a sign telling them not to or not.
“But the aim of the signs is, hopefully, those who genuinely want to make a donation will see the signs and come back when we are open.”
Mr Munro urged people to do the right thing and donate goods when the shop is open.
“Every cent we spend clearing up someone else rubbish, is a cent not going to the Salvos,” he said.
“You’re stealing funding from people who desperately need help.
“It’s a very low and selfish act in that respect.
“And to our supporters, please come back when we are open so we can put your donations to good use.”
