Covid 19 coronavirus: Salvation Army Family stores face dumping issues in lockdown

Items dumped outside Salvation Army Family Stores during the lockdown currently have to go to the tip. Photo / Paul Taylor

The dumping of goods at family stores is an ongoing issue for the Salvation Army but, during Covid-19 lockdown, dealing with dumping is even more difficult with staff unable to work and goods having to go to the tip.

The Salvation Army Family Stores National Director, Gareth Marshall, said they were aware of goods being left outside many of their stores and said it was particularly prevalent at urban stores.

Hawke's Bay Today photographer Paul Taylor captured the problem at the Salvation Army Family Store on Heretaunga St West in Hastings, where various items including an artificial Christmas tree and child's car seat had been dumped on the footpath.

Marshall said it was an ongoing issue and something Family Store staff and volunteers regularly faced at the start of their day, particularly after weekends.

Items dumped outside the Salvation Army Family Store on Heretaunga Street West in Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor

"We really appreciate people donating items that we can sell at our Family Stores.

"The money raised from this goes towards funding our work in local communities and is vital to the work we do.

"However, goods left outside of hours create a hazard, especially at the moment," he said.

During the lockdown period staff are unable to go to the stores which has resulted in "goods piling up on the street".

The Salvation Army is working with councils around New Zealand, who are helping clean up dumped goods.

All goods left outside stores currently have to go to the tip as they can't be processed and might pose a health hazard to the public and staff.

The Salvation Army is encouraging those who have items to donate to keep them at home until stores can reopen.