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Charity Shops Drowning in Unsellable Donations
4 Feb
Summary
- Charities face significant costs sorting unsaleable items.
- Rubble and electrical goods are among dumped items.
- Donations are vital for funding palliative care services.
Charity shops across the Channel Islands are confronting a significant challenge with the influx of unsaleable donations and widespread fly-tipping. Les Bourgs Hospice in Guernsey reports approximately £1,000 per month in tip charges and staff costs dedicated to processing items that cannot be resold. This financial burden impacts their ability to generate revenue, as sales typically fund about 25% of the charity's operations.
Similar issues plague CRY Jersey and The Salvation Army in Jersey, where donations are frequently left outside their stores and bins, even when shops are closed. Incidents include electrical items, radiators, and even rubble being dumped, overwhelming volunteers and requiring staff time for sorting and disposal. The Salvation Army highlighted that such dumping often occurs when donation bins are full, urging the public to be more considerate.
The Government of Jersey's Infrastructure and Environment department noted 185 fly-tipping reports in 2025, with half concerning donation bins. They advise residents to contact charities or return later if a bin is full. The States of Guernsey was contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation.
