A HOSPICE is urging the public to only donate good-quality items to its shops to help combat the growing and costly problem of waste disposal.

St Richard’s Hospice has begun reopening shops across Worcestershire and plans to start accepting donations at select locations from Tuesday, June 30.

Donations of good-quality items helped to raise more than £731,000 net for the hospice’s care during 2019/20.

However, it cost the charity at least £22,950 to dispose of donations which were in too poor condition to be sold, and could not be recycled, such as dirty, broken and ripped items.

Dan Corns, Commercial Director at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We rely on the generosity of our community donating good-quality items for us to sell.

“It is only thanks to support of our donors and customers we can raise such an important amount for our care to patients and loved ones.

“But the huge challenge of disposing of unsaleable donations is very costly – both in taking up our time, and finances, which would be better spent on working to support our hospice services.

“This is a significant and growing problem affecting the whole charity shop sector, not just St Richard’s Hospice.”

The hospice has launched an information campaign on its website and social media, advising donors on which items can and cannot be accepted for sale in its shops.

In 2019/20, more than a million items were donated in too poor condition to be sold in the hospice’s shops, equating to twice the amount sold that year.

Before the pandemic, recycling companies – or rag merchants – would pay an amount to the hospice to recycle items. However, due to the pandemic, these companies are now more selective about the items they accept – meaning it is even more important for donations to be of good quality, so as much as possible can be resold in the hospice’s shops.

“We often receive items which are broken and dirty, which we simply cannot resell in our shops,” explained Mr Corns.

“There are other items we are unable to take too, such as videos, cassettes, toys without CE labels and furniture without fire labels.

“Now more than ever, we need you to be thoughtful about what you are giving us. Please do not be offended if we cannot take your items, we are simply working to do the best we can for our patients and families.

“Our shops are here to raise funds to support the hospice’s care to patients and loved ones. Help us continue to do this by ensuring you donate good quality items.

“I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support. We are so grateful for the generosity of our community, and hope to see you soon.”

The hospice has announced dates, times and locations for its donation points across the county. The dates are subject to change, based on the volume of donations.

Donors will be asked to drop their items directly into containers, or a hospice van, and not to take donations into the shops. Donations must be in a box, or secured bag, and appropriately wrapped.

To meet infection control guidelines, the containers/vans will be locked, isolating the donations for 72 hours before they are processed.

• From Tuesday, June 30, donations can be taken to containers at the hospice shop in Pershore, its Malvern Department Store, and warehouse in Leigh Sinton, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only between 10am and 3pm.

• From Wednesday, July 1, donations can also be dropped off into containers, or a hospice van, at its Evesham shop on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only between 10am and 3pm.

The hospice shops which are now open to the public include: St Swithin’s Street, Worcester, the Malvern Link Department Store, the Malvern Link Book and Media Store, Kidderminster, Pershore and Tewkesbury Fashion Store. Its shops in Evesham and Stourport will reopen on Thursday, and the Bewdley store on Friday.

Visit the hospice’s website for details on how to donate your items, and to read its guide to donation ‘dos and don’ts’: www.strichards.org.uk/our-shops/quality-donation-campaign

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,400 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.

For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk