Spring is the perfect time to freshen up our homes — but what about our communities?
As we declutter and make room for the new, it’s important to ensure that our old, unwanted items don’t end up causing harm to the environment. Sadly, Australia and New Zealand are facing a fast-fashion waste crisis that’s filling our landfills and overflowing charity bins — and the effects are hitting closer to home than you might think.
The Fast-Fashion Waste Problem
Did you know that Aussies are the world’s biggest consumers of textiles per person?
That means more clothes are being bought and discarded at a rapid rate. Unfortunately, many of these items end up being illegally dumped near already overfilled charity bins.
Another part of the problem? Returning items is getting harder.
Recent data from Shippit reveals that fewer retailers are offering free returns — dropping from 50% five years ago to under 20% today. As a result, many of us are stuck figuring out how to dispose of unwanted items ourselves. Sometimes, this leads to illegal dumping as people struggle to find the right way to offload unwanted goods.
The Rise of Illegal Dumping
In fact, Snap Send Solve has received over 1,300 Snaps this year alone about clothes and items left by charity bins, with Victoria and New South Wales the most affected by this dumping.
This kind of illegal dumping doesn’t just make our streets look untidy — it’s costing charities a staggering $18 million annually in waste management. This means resources that should be helping those in need are instead being used to clean up unusable donations.
Spring Cleaning Done Right
If you see illegal rubbish dumping in your area — whether it’s near a charity bin, a park, or on the street — don’t just walk by. With Snap Send Solve, you can Snap the issue in seconds and help clean up your community, just like that!
So, as you dive into your own spring cleaning, remember that a little action goes a long way.
Got unwanted clothes or household items? Find a responsible way to donate or recycle them, and if you spot illegal dumping, you know what to do.
Learn more about illegal dumping.
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Use this form to send a Snap today.
