A charity shop worker has issued a furious plea to people donating items, accusing some of using second-hand stores as a 'dumping ground' for dirty and broken goods. Meg, who shares her experiences on TikTok as @alottameg, recounted an incident where a woman admitted in front of her that a bag she was donating was 'dirty' and 'broken'.
Meg said: 'Oh can we? We can have your dirty, broken bag that you don't want... thank you. Thank you so much. I think it's embarrassing and disrespectful to literally in front of a charity shop worker, admit that you're giving something that's dirty and broken.' She added: 'Why is your rubbish my problem?'
Other charity workers echoed her frustration, with one commenting on the video: 'The amount of dirty, broken shoes I've seen people donate... no one is buying your old trainers that are worn at the heel babes!' Another said: 'I've worked in charity retail. Dirty unwashed underwear, mouldy towels and a duvet that someone had thrown up on and then put in a bin bag were amongst the worst.'
Charity shops generally cannot accept items that are damaged, stained, broken, or unsanitary. Cancer Research UK states: 'We appreciate all donations, but we are unable to accept items which we cannot sell and would require us to pay for disposal. This includes anything dirty, damaged or with missing parts.' Oxfam also lists restrictions, including electrical goods, medical equipment, broken items, and identifiable work uniforms.
Meg's plea: if you wouldn't buy it, don't donate it. 'Why is your rubbish my problem?' she asked, urging people to bin items they would not consider purchasing themselves.
