Lord Mayor Graham Quirk is urging Brisbane residents to 'donate not dump' in response to a growing trend in illegal dumping on kerbsides and charity bins.
Cr Quirk said cleanup costs of illegal dumping were draining hundreds of thousands of dollars from Brisbane City Council as well as charities, who were often lumped with unwanted garbage at donation points.
"Charities such as Lifeline operate on the generosity of contributions from the public and are increasingly being faced with the costs of removing rubbish left at donation bins," Cr Quirk said.
"We want to see our charities continue to be able to offer vital services and we want people to understand what types of goods can be donated and what types of goods should be taken to waste transfer stations."
According to Lifeline's business operations manager, John Hillier, the costs imposed on his organisation as a result of illegal dumping could be up to to $100,000 per year.
While Mr Hillier was alarmed at the growing cost, he also encouraged the community to continue its vital support.
"Lifeline receives over one million contacts each year from help-seekers via online, face to face and the 24 hour 13 11 14 crisis support line and that's why proceeds from the sales of donated goods are not just essential, they are life-saving, because when you donate and buy with lifeline you help save lives."
Brisbane City Council is urging residents to make use of free council services to dispose of their household waste.
"Council offers free annual kerbside collection of large items, free annual hazardous household waste disposal days at transfer stations and 10 free waste disposal vouchers to council tips each year to help residents dispose of rubbish," said Cr Quirk.
For more information on waste transfer stations and kerbside collection visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call the council on 3403 8888.
