West Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards are alerting local residents to watch out before donating old clothes and household items to collection firms thinking they are helping out a charitable cause.
Many residents in West Dunbartonshire will have received a leaflet and collection bag from a firm called ‘Helpmates’. Their leaflet contains a statement “Third World Clothing Collection” and “We Urgently Need Clothing” which is much bolder than the rest of the leaflet and likely to catch the eye of the potential donor.
However, the leaflet does clearly explain that they are a commercial collection company and, say Trading Standards, they are operating legally. Officers say a number of commercial firms are now operating which resell the items for profit. In general, they do not make any false claims about this but the fact that they are not charities is usually in the small print.
Trading Standards Officer, Tony Cairns said: “Firms are entitled to operate in this way but the problem arises when people who fill a bag with clothes, bedding and so on are under the false impression that they are doing so to aid a charity.
He added: “We would urge members of the public to read the small print on the leaflets or bags they receive through their doors asking for donations.”
However, Registered charities are estimated to be losing over £2 million a year as a result of this type of operation.
Cllr Craig McLaughlin said: “Unfortunately, Trading Standards cannot stop this type of practice as long as the firms operate within the law. By making people aware via the media in particular, we can help them to make an informed choice on how they dispose of their old items. Many well known and highly respected Registered charities have outlets in West Dunbartonshire and many also offer to collect from houses on a regular basis or by arrangement. You should always check to make sure that the company is a registered charity.”
If you want more advice or have some information please contact West Dunbartonshire Council’s consumer advice partner Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or by email trading.standards@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
