RISK: Concerns grow for bags being left outside of clothes banks (Image: North Ayrshire Council)
 North Ayrshire Council are being residents that they could “inadvertently” put themselves at risk of fly-tipping following recent discoveries at clothes banks.
The local authority issued the warning today after sightings of discarded bags next to clothes point bins, warning that a financial penalty is possible.
They assured that many people across the region “do their best to support good causes” through clothes donations to charity shops and clothing banks.
Any donations left on the ground beside bins are said to be causing concern for the council who believe removing them come at a “considerable cost”.
A spokesperson from NAC said: “People who think they are doing the right thing by leaving bags of charitable donations next to the public collection bins or outside charity may actually be fly-tipping without realising.
“Charities rely on these good-quality donations to sell through their shops, and the clothing banks also help save pre-owned items from being disposed of, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Dumping bags of donations – even when your intentions are good – is classed as fly-tipping.”
The council also advised residents to donate clean items of clothing and accessories for over-sized bins and to be mindful that weather can make dumped bags unrecyclable or reusable.
Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, added her plea to the people of North Ayrshire in resolving this issue.
She said: “While we understand that people in our communities think we are doing a nice thing by donations to their favourite charity, there is a considerable cost to the Council for removing any bags that are left on the ground near charity clothing banks when they are full.
“We would like to remind residents that leaving bags of donations on the ground near textile bins – or outside charity shops – is illegal and is classed as fly-tipping.”
Any residents looking for hubs for clothes donation purposes can be found at the likes of Ayr Recycling Centre in South Ayrshire and Ardrossan Asda in North Ayrshire.
