NACRO is urging people to consider whether their goods are of reusable quality and whether the bins are the best method of donation.

“The local community always donates generously at this time of year for which we are very grateful,” said Stephen Buckley, NACRO’s Victorian State Representative. “But we ask people to think carefully about the quality of their donations – will they be of use to someone in need?”

“It is also important for people to think about how they donate their item. If the item doesn’t fit in the bin, dropping it off at a Charity Shop might be a better option.”

Mr Buckley also said people could telephone the charities, who may arrange for pick-up or advise on the best donation option.

Mid-November to mid-February is usually the busiest time for donations to charity bins. In this ‘peak period’, about 35-40 per cent of yearly donations are made.

According to Mr Buckley, removing and sorting through unusable goods strains the resources of the organisations.

“Removing goods that we can’t use places a considerable financial burden on us and diverts money away from the programs and services that help the most vulnerable in our community,” said Mr Buckley.

The charities rely on the generosity of the public donating through their bins across Victoria.

Items that can be donated in charity bins include:

• clothing that is in good, wearable condition (not torn or stained)
• shoes (ideally, tied together using the laces or an elastic band so the pair isn’t separated)
• blankets, doonas, sheet sets, towels in good useable condition
• other items such as belts, ties, hats, handbags, backpacks, again in good useable condition

For additional information about rubbish disposal or hard rubbish collection, contact your local council

People wishing to donate large items such as beds and mattresses should telephone Red Cross on 1800 246 850