Council announced it will be working with local charities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping at stores and donation bins across the shire.

Regional Illegal Dumping project officer Sara Rich said items that had been dumped on kerbsides and around charity bins were costing charities thousand of dollars each year.

“Local charities offer an important service to our community and unfortunately, they often pay the price when used as a lazy alternative to the responsible disposal of waste,” Ms Rich said.

A recent survey conducted by council revealed that dirty nappies, a used toilet and green waste were among items found to be inappropriately disposed of.

St Vincent de Paul retail operations manager Rod Douglas said in the last financial year the charitable organisation had spent close to $83,000 in waste disposal across its Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale stores.

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“Sadly, when we receive donations that are poor quality, are broken or cannot be accepted for safety reasons, we must dispose of them,” Mr Douglas said.

“This places extra pressure on our volunteers and costs money that would otherwise be directed to our services and assiting people in the community,” he said.

Council announced its plan to embark on an awareness campaign in the shire with help from a NSW Environment Protection Authority grant.

New signage will be provided to local charities to encourage community donations that are appropriate and won’t cost charities money from donations to manage.

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“We encourage people in the Wingecarribee Shire to give donations that they would also be happy to donate to a friend,” Mr Douglas said.

Dumping unwanted articles outside a charity store or bin is illegal and can attract an on-the-spot fine of $2000 up to a maximum penalty of $250,000. Rewards are offered for information leading to a prosecution or fine.