Community
9 February, 2026
Unwanted dumping continues to hurt local charities
Unwanted dumping outside charity stores across the region continues to place an enormous burden on the organisations that run them.
Unwanted dumping outside charity stores across the region continues to place an enormous burden on the organisations that run them.
Dumping has become an increasing problem in recent years as members of the community try to avoid waste disposal fees at council-run facilities.
However, it is organisations like the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army that end up carrying the cost.
Dumped items are often unsuitable for resale or can become damaged by weather and need to be discarded.
The St Vincent de Paul Society spoke out this week because of ongoing dumping outside its retail store in Picton.
Volunteers have been arriving most days to find large numbers of items outside the shop.
The Society’s NSW Retail Area Manager Philipe Baier said the generosity of the community was appreciated but donations need to be made in a controlled way.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of the local community, but we’re asking people to please bring donations in during opening hours so our team can receive them safely,” Mr Baier said.
“What begins as an act of generosity can unfortunately end up costing the charity time, money and volunteer wellbeing, while also reducing the funds available to support people doing it tough.”
The Society NSW is asking that items be dropped off during shop hours, so they can be properly received and sorted.
“If the shop is closed or cannot accept items, please hold onto your donations until a better time.
“And finally, we remind the community to only donate high-quality items and stick to the rule: if you’d give it to a mate, it’s good to donate.”
Mr Baier said “responsible” donations allowed the organisation to sort, store and resell items efficiently – raising funds that go directly to supporting local people in need.
“We thank the Picton community for their ongoing kindness and encourage everyone to donate with care, so their generosity can have the greatest possible impact.”
In the past financial year, more than 1000 people in the Picton and surrounding towns have received assistance from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
More than $188,000 has been distributed to help locals afford essentials such as food, clothing, and accommodation.
More than 40 per cent of people seeking support from the Society NSW in the Picton area were doing so for the
Read More: Wollondilly, Picton