A huge majority of charity retailers have reported items being fly-tipped outside their shops, posing a “serious problem” for voluntary organisations.
More than nine in 10 (93%) reported illegal dumping outside their premises over the past year, research from the Charity Retail Association (CRA) found.
The CRA, which surveyed 135 charities representing almost 3,900 shops, said the problem was “escalating”, citing that 44% of retailers reported a fly-tipping rise over the last year, compared with just 3% reporting a decrease.
A third (32%) of respondents said it typically costs between £100 and £299 to deal with fly-tipped items per affected shop, with a quarter reporting costs of £500 or more.
Robin Osterley, CRA chief executive, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious problem for charity shops, creating extra work, costs and risks for staff, volunteers and the public.
“When donations are left outside closed shops, they can become damaged or unsafe, and often end up as waste,” Osterley added.
‘Negative impacts’ on charity shops
Data provided by the CRA shows that 58% of respondents described fly-tipping as a “moderate problem”.
It was gathered through a CRA member survey which took place between 9 and 13 February this year.
Over the past three months, from when the data was collected, just over half (52%) of charity shops reported weekly fly-tipping, with a further 15% saying they experienced it monthly.
Members of the CRA, the primary trade association for UK charity shops, run more than 8,600 stores nationwide.
Osterley added that it was vital that donations were done in the correct fashion: “Giving responsibly, people can help ensure charity shops continue supporting communities, funding vital services and creating opportunities for those who rely on them.”
The CRA emphasised that items left outside stores can get “drenched in the rain or end up strewn across the pavement”, incurring additional costs for charities at an average of £200 per shop and in some cases in excess of £500.
Among other concerns raised in the survey were a “negative impact on shop appearance”, which 87% of respondents said fly-tipping caused to their retail chain.
Health and safety concerns and extra pressure on employee or volunteer time were also key problems, flagged by 83% and 80% of respondents, respectively.
