Illegal dumpers hit Lifeline, Vinnies charities on the Gold Coast

A charity has issued an urgent message to the community after illegal dumpers targeted several stores and locations over the Christmas period. See the photos and video.

A charity has issued an urgent message to the community after illegal dumpers targeted several stores and locations over the Christmas period.

Large piles of “donations” in plastic bags were spotted outside Lifeline shops in Molendinar and Southport.

Plastic bags full of items appeared to have been thrown over the fence at Vinnies Arundel, which had been fenced off entirely and plastered with “no dumping” signage.

Items piling up outside Lifeline in Molendinar. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Division 7 councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden said the Arundel location had been a hot spot for illegal dumping in previous years until security cameras were installed.

“There has been a big improvement, but there are still a few people deciding to leave things there,” he said.

“The people choosing to do those things are facing the appropriate consequences.

“It’s dumbfounding that people do this. It’s a charity, but people dump things there when our tips are free.”

Dumped items outside a Lifeline charity bin in Southport. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Lifeline retail general manager Jamie Mackay said donated items should never be left outside charity stores, even if they were closed.

“Seeing items left outside charity shops and donation bins is always disappointing,” Mr Mackay said.

“When people leave items outside, we need to use our time and resources to clean up and dispose of them.

“This is a shame as it takes focus away from our shops and customers, which supports our purpose of raising funds to support our Lifeline crisis support services.”

Illegal dumpers have targeted charities across the Gold Coast.

He said charity dumping was an “ongoing problem” especially during the holidays when people had the time to clean out.

“Some locations have surveillance cameras, but the issue is widespread. We are vigilant in cleaning and removing goods left around our properties as we know its impact on the community,” Mr Mackay said.

“We are continually working to inform people that there is no reason to leave items outside bins or shops.

“Instead, they can come to the shop during opening hours to donate their goods and we can arrange pickups for larger items.”

He said charities were always grateful to receive quality household items, bric a brac, clothes and accessories donated properly.