Fed-up residents demand action as disgusting pictures of overflowing Vinnies charity bin emerge

Residents in Bayswater are calling for action after images surfaced showing an overflowing charity bin outside a local school and church, with items illegally dumped nearby. The bin, located on the site of St Columba’s Church, has a sign warning that leaving items outside is considered illegal dumping, potentially resulting in a penalty of up to $125,000 under the Environmental Protection Act, 1936.

Illegal Dumping Concerns in Bayswater

A resident shared images on a Facebook community page, urging those responsible for the dumped items to clean up the mess and dispose of them properly. The resident noted that while intentions may have been good, the situation resulted in significant mess, with many of the items damaged and unusable.

Comments flooded the post, with residents expressing frustration. One person stated the individuals were likely attempting to dispose of trash for free, while another highlighted the financial burden placed on charities to clean up the mess, leading some to remove bins or restrict access.

Some commenters also pointed out that others often rummage through donation bins, potentially contributing to the disarray. One resident described witnessing this happening at a donation bin in Kardinya last Thursday.

Vinnies Response and Donation Guidelines

Vinnies WA executive manager social enterprise Carl Prowse stated that the organization is responsible for the cleanup and safe management of its donation sites. He confirmed the clothing had been collected, the area cleaned, and a replacement bin arranged.

Prowse also noted that Vinnies does not allocate additional resources specifically for these types of situations. Their team operates on a scheduled collection route, visiting bins based on demand. Repairs are handled through regular operations, with major damage potentially outsourced.

Vinnies encourages individuals to return at a later time or visit a Vinnies store during opening hours if a bin is full. Leaving items outside bins can lead to damage from weather or contamination, rendering the items unusable.

Donation bins are typically cleared weekly, with high-volume locations serviced twice weekly. Additional collections are arranged as needed. Prowse added that school holidays and the period following Christmas typically see an increase in donations, leading to quicker bin fill-up rates.