A ROUNDTABLE meeting between the ACT Government and representatives of the charity sector will be held next Wednesday to discuss a solution to stop illegal dumping at charity bins.

“Charity bins are a convenient way for people to donate clothing, footwear and blankets to people in need. Unfortunately there seems to be an increasing trend where people are dumping inappropriate items which cannot be reused outside bins,” Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher said.

“Illegal dumping at charity bins creates an eyesore for the local community and nearby retailers but also creates a large burden on the resources of charity organisations that are responsible for taking away illegally dumped items.”

The proposed meeting will involve seven current permit holders for charity bins and government stakeholders.

There are 239 charity bins located across the ACT and permits for these are issued under the Roads and Public Places Act 1937 for a maximum period of 12 months. A condition of all permits is to keep sites clean.

Televisions in particular have been a recent issue due in part to the impending switchover to digital TV.

“Televisions can be delivered to the Mugga Lane and Mitchell Resource Management Centres and are recycled on a fee-for-service basis which covers the recycling cost. Recycling fees for televisions are based on the size of the unit measured diagonally across the screen. For example, a small non flat panel television less than 46 centimetres is $15,” the Chief Minister said.

“The ACT Government is part of the new national e-waste recycling scheme which at this stage is due to commence mid year. Under that scheme televisions and computers will be accepted free of charge, but the cost of disposal will be built into the price of products.”