Tippers hit Hoppers Crossing donor bins

RUBBISH dumpers have forced the removal of charity bins in Hoppers Crossing, leaving the St Vincent de Paul Society less able to collect goods and clothing for the needy.

Vinnies Centres state manager Garry McBride said the bins were removed in August at the request of Wyndham Council.

“We have made a couple of approaches to Wyndham Council to discuss the issue but as yet have not had a response. We are hopeful of a resolution soon that will see the donation bins returned in the near future,” he said.

The council had warned the charity earlier this year that its bins on Costa Drive could be taken away if they were not maintained.

Nine of the municipality’s 27 charity bins were removed in March after a council audit found littering and illegal rubbish dumping to be a continuing problem.

Three Red Cross charity bins and one owned by Kidney Health Australia were removed from Hoppers Crossing Station.

By Fiona O'Doherty

Five Kidney Health Australia bins were also removed from near Hogan’s Corner supermarket.

The council audit rated the four St Vincent de Paul Society, Costa Drive bins’ cleanliness as occasionally poor or bad.

A Leader photographer snapped pictures of piles of rubbish at the bins on a Thursday morning recently.

Council chief executive Kerry Thompson told the Leader the council would act under the Environmental Protection Act and issue a Litter Abatement Notice.

“If rubbish dumping continues at this site, the matter will be addressed with the charitable organisation,” she said.

Mr McBride said charity bins were the main method of collecting donations.

“A drop in donations will reduce our capacity to provide for people in the local community who are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

“We appreciate donations from the public. Without them, we can’t survive.

“The Hoppers Crossing Vinnies Centre is open seven days a week and we’d encourage donors to visit when the centre is open; 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm, Sundays.”