Whitehorse considers tipping fees for 3 currently exempt charities

The City of Whitehorse is considering charging tipping fees to three charitable organizations. 

Since 1999, Raven Recycling, Maryhouse and the Salvation Army have been exempt from paying for items they bring to the dump, but that might change because the city wants to clamp down on the amount of non-recyclables coming to the landfill.

Raven Recycling operates a free store and Maryhouse provides clothing and other items to people in need, but sometimes these organizations and the thrift store get "donations" that should have gone straight to the landfill.

Salvation Army spokesperson Ian McKenzie said the problem is worse in the summer.

"Generally speaking, if they are unable to sell it as garage sale, it's probably not going to be something we are going to sell."

Organizations may have to be more vigilant

The city says there was a huge spike in non-reusable items at the city's landfill last year. 

Bryna Cable, with Whitehorse waste diversion, hopes residents will stop using charitable organizations to get rid of their junk.

"We want to make sure users are paying for their waste and ... certainly not dumping it on charitable organizations."

Cable said the organizations might have to be more vigilant. 

"It is their best interest to make sure that they can have some boundaries on how they can accept materials in the community."

Cable says city administration is recommending that tipping fees continue to be waived on small household goods but not on electronic and construction waste. 

Council will make a decision at its meeting next week.

With files from Mike Rudyk