Cr Wales backs charity bin changes
Councillor Debra Wales is backing a review by Gosford City Council of its charity clothing bin policy.
Recommendations to the next council meeting include the removal of all charity bins from Councils public reserves, road reserves and other Council-controlled property.
"I have been approached by numerous members of the community who have expressed considerable concern at the proliferation of the charity bins in our parks, reserves and gateways to the CBDs.
"This is something that I have been concerned about for over 12 months," said Councillor Wales.
"I will be supporting the recommendations contained in the report.
"This office has been inundated with calls in recent months with complaints about the number of bins and the amount of household rubbish that is also being left behind.
"No-one objects to the bins being provided as they provide an important source of income for charity groups.
"However, the problem has been the number of bins that are being provided in any one location with up to six bins on some of our most prominent reserves.
"These bin locations are now also being used as a drop-off point for other household items other than clothing which may or may not be used by the respective charities.
"In some cases they are also being used as an easy and convenient rubbish disposal point for household waste such as mattresses and old furniture.
"Unfortunately, the charity organisations do not have the resources to police the sites. Therefore, the responsibility eventually comes back to Council who end up having to police the charity bin areas and remove the rubbish. Ultimately, the ratepayer bears the cost."
Cr Wales said that the new policy would require all bins to be placed on private property such as church land, schools and service stations.
"This will ensure tighter controls on the servicing and maintenance of the bins.
"It will also free up our beautiful public reserves and gateway entries for recreational activities," said Cr Wales.
"It is unfortunate that the new policy was necessary as this was through no fault of the charities. Through misuse by some sections of the community and inadequate policing, the result was inevitable."