The Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, recently hosted a meeting with charities who have clothing donation bins on public land as one of the last steps in finalising the Code of Practice for the Management of Charity Bins on Public Land.
“Charity bins allow the community to support charities with donations of clothing, footwear and blankets, but unfortunately they also tend to attract illegal dumping. This dumping is not only unsightly, but also poses a problem for charity groups and ACT Government staff who are called on to remove it. The ACT Government has worked with local charity groups over the past 18 months to develop and test solutions to the problems caused by illegal dumping.” Mr. Rattenbury commented.
“A six-month trial where charity bins were consolidated into group centre locations showed benefits in significantly reducing the spread of illegal dumping and allowing more targeted enforcement activities, while not causing any significant decrease in the amount of usable donated items – despite the reduction in charity bins. The Code of Practice proposes the extension of this approach throughout Canberra with bins consolidated into larger regional areas where they can be better monitored by passers-by and also by City Rangers.” Mr. Rattenbury commented.
Mr. Rattenbury explained that as part of the consultation process about the Code, shopkeepers and centre managers have also been asked for their thoughts about the location of charity bins.
“The ACT Government recognises that having donation bins is an important way for charity groups to receive donations and help support those in need, but there also needs to be an improved process in place to mitigate against illegal dumping. I am confident the new code meets the appropriate balance.” Mr. Rattenbury commented.

The Code of Practice is expected to be phased in from December 2013.