Helping out charity shops
Authorised officers from the EPA have helped local charities shine a light on scavenging and theft of donations left at their shops outside of business hours.
The National Association of Charitable Recyclers (NACRO) sought assistance from the EPA to determine whether the items being left outside shop hours were genuine donations or acts of illegal dumping.
EPA officers carried out three nights of covert surveillance at a ‘problem’ eastern suburbs store, where donations were frequently being left after hours.
While some of the items EPA officers saw were not suitable – like partially used containers of food and stained pillows – most of what was being dropped off in front of the store were saleable items like bagged clothing, shoes, toys and books.
However, by the end of each of the three nights of surveillance, these donations had been picked over, many things taken, and the storefront left littered with scattered items and empty plastic bags.
Charity stores knew that scavenging was a problem, but until the surveillance was carried out, nobody realised how big the problem was.
Up to half of the after-hours visits EPA officers filmed were from people who stole items, sometimes loading donations into their cars by the bagful.
Some people made multiple visits to steal items in the same night to steal, and one was seen on all three nights when surveillance was carried out.
The video was shared with The Sunday Mail and Messenger Newspapers, with the aim of showing the community what can happen to after-hours donations.
Donate the right way
- Check with the shop first on what items they accept. For example, some specialise in clothing, and don’t take books.
- Only donate good-quality items that charities can give to people in need or sell.
- Always drop items off during business hours – remember, many charity shops are open on weekends.