On average dump fees are costing the St Vincent de Paul Society $20 per week plus labour to remove the rubbish and fuel.

The last load was estimated to cost $80 as an old fridge with decomposing meat as well as a large lounge set, range hood and old style tv’s were left scattered at the rear entrance to the shop.

Vice President State Council of St Vincent de Paul Society Kerry Muir said the dump fees add up quickly.

“We could be using this money for welfare services,” he said.

“In the last four months we have assisted 106 families with approximately $16,000 in various support methods.”

In the past the shop have had to place locks on their skip bin to deter people from dumping more rubbish and Kerry said this increase in dumping may lead to CCTV cameras being installed such as the trial at Armidale St Vincent de Paul.

“This is a very hard thing to manage,” he said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society do sell second hand electrical and white goods as well as better quality furniture and clean clothing; they will even collect bigger items if needed.

Volunteer of St Patricks Conference of St Vincent de Paul John Adams said a majority of goods left to the society shop are useable and very appreciated.

“We have a local contractor who donates their time to checking electrical goods, we always take clean children’s clothing too,” he said.

Items can be left in the blue bins at the back of the shop or be dropped in on weekdays when the shop is open.