Fury as mountain of rubbish left next to West Bromwich charity

A mountain of rubbish dumped outside a charity shop has left its staff and volunteers angry and frustrated.

Loads of discarded shoes, toys and clothing were left next to the donation bins at the Salvation Army Donation Center in West Bromwich at the weekend, but staff said it was also a regular occurrence.

Many of the discarded items were of poor quality and could not be sold, they added.

Sandwell Council has been contacted for comment.

Charity workers spent three hours trying to drain the pile, which meant they had to delay the store’s opening on Monday.

The problem has happened every day for the past four years, staff said.

“All these shoes that have been thrown away, they’re all of poor quality so they can’t be sold and they have to be torn up,” said assistant manager Lisa Mainwood.

“We’re trying to raise money, but we’re paying more for trash removal.”

Mrs Mainwood added: “I would like the council to prosecute the culprits and let people know we are not a site to be targeted, it needs to stop. “

Litter Watch, a charity of over 2,400 volunteers, was set up to help keep the streets of Sandwell clean.

Chief Constable Alicia Wingfield said: “I pass that street every day and my volunteers pick up litter there regularly, it has become an ongoing problem in the area.

“There’s even fly tipping in trees — couches, beds, you name it.

“We would like to see more education and more funds invested in environmental care, as well as the introduction of a recycling scheme where there is an incentive to recycle.

“It feels like there’s no enforcement or consequence.”