VICTORIA Point residents are expressing frustration over overflowing charity donation bins.
Photos and social media posts show bags of clothing and household items dumped around full Lifeline bins at a local church, leaving volunteers to clean up the mess.
Victoria Point Girl Guides District Manager Fran Burns said Lifeline had been contacted and would collect the donations soon.
She said one parent had already helped clean up some of the overflow.
“It’s very disappointing that people continue to drop their items when the bins are full and then others rummage through it, leaving it in a state like this for volunteers to clean up,” Ms Burns said.
“These bins are the only reason Victoria Point Girl Guides are still operational; they bring in much-needed funds for us to run and continue teaching lifelong skills to young women in the Redlands.”
Lifeline Queensland confirmed its bins are serviced “as regularly as possible”, with collections adjusted to match seasonal changes and local demand.
“Our aim is to keep donation points safe, tidy, and accessible for everyone,” a spokesperson said.
If a bin becomes full or overflowing, Lifeline prioritises collection and encourages donors to report full bins via their website, visit another nearby donation point, or drop items directly in-store.
“Following these guidelines helps us keep the area clean and ensures donations are put to good use supporting Lifeline Crisis Support Services,” the spokesperson said.
Lifeline also stressed the importance of partnerships with local volunteer groups such as the Victoria Point Girl Guides.
“When our donation bins are placed onsite at partner community groups, we pay a small commission in return for hosting the bins,” the spokesperson said.
“These partnerships are important because they help local organisations raise funds and allow more members of the community to benefit.”
Many online commenters criticised donors for their lack of consideration.
“People turn it into their personal dumping ground for old toys and then say they were just trying to be nice,” one wrote.
Another described the behaviour as “disgusting”, noting items often end up ruined in the rain.
Others suggested practical alternatives, including taking donations directly to op shops or other collection points.
“I took my last lot to the Save the Children shopfront … they are lovely there, unlike a couple of doors along at Vinnies,” said one resident.
Residents also raised concerns about monitoring.
Cameras are in place, but volunteers cannot oversee all activity.
“Council used to have an illegal dumping officer … sadly this position is no longer current,” Ms Burns said.
Lifeline said it continually reviews its processes, with signage in place and collections adapted to match seasonal patterns, to reduce strain on volunteers, operations, and the environment.
