We’re no dump, says Op Shop

By Sarah Schwager
VOLUNTEER workers at a Pearcedale op shop are fed up with unwanted rubbish being dumped next to their clothing bins.
Each time they have to pay to take the junk to the tip, they say the money could be better spent helping those in need.
Bev Broderick, who helps run St Peter’s Op Shop, said wiring, televisions, computers and bits of pipe were among items left next to the clothing bins.
“All that stuff is having to be taken to the tip. We’re getting charged for other people’s rubbish,” Ms Broderick said.
She said last week’s load was ‘out of control’.
“They shouldn’t be putting clothing in there anyway. That’s only for us to use,” she said.
Rev Stephen Morris, from St Peter’s Anglican Church, said it was an ongoing problem.
Despite putting signs up discouraging people, rubbish dumpers have been turning up first thing in the morning or late at night.
“We love getting stuff that we can recycle to help people who need it in the community,” Rev Morris said.
“But we get old furniture and mattresses. We just can’t get rid of them, we have to take them to the tip.
“It is a burden on the church financially and limits us being able to use those funds for other people in the community.”
Ms Broderick said each time a volunteer took rubbish to the tip it cost between $15 and $30.
“We don’t have much money to help people out and that could go for food vouchers.
“Instead, we’re spending it on dumping rubbish.”