Salvation Army asked to remove clothing donation bin due to relentless fly-tipping

The Salvation Army has been asked by an unnamed parish to remove one of its clothing donation bins, after years of fly-tipping by users.

In a recent social media post, the charity explained that while they’re grateful for all those who donate, they’ve seen a huge amount of the bins not being used properly.

This very often involves people wedging large items into the chute and blocking it, making it look full when it’s empty inside, it said.

Bags of unwanted items have also been left on the floor around the bins rather than being taken to the nearest available one.

The charity said it’s saddened by the loss of the facility in such a “busy location” and the subsequent reduction in income that funds its community work.

Representatives from the organisation didn’t wish to disclose the parish in which the bin was located but told Express the ones pictured in its post were of different donation bins.

There have also been bags of clothes and furniture left outside its charity shop – including recently, a glass TV stand, said Richard Nunn, a Salvation Army officer.

“It costs us time, energy and money to take it to the recycling centre,” he said.

Items are being dumped outside the shop each morning, “piling up in our doorways and fire escapes,” he added. “It’s really frustrating. People see it as a way to just get rid of rubbish and not as a meaningful donation to a charity.”

Many charity shop staff and volunteers can be elderly, and may struggle to clear items left outside when it’s shut, Mr Nunn continued.

He said: “We are so grateful for support and donations which raise lots of money for our charity – they are literally paying for us to support some of the poorest in the community.

“But please do get rid of clothing waste at whichever charity shop is nearest to you – and please go when it’s open.”