Bogus charity clothes bank removed
A bogus charity clothes recycling bank has been removed by Sutton Council. Operators Green World Recycling had not sought planning permission before leaving it on the pavement outside Favorite Chicken on Stonecot Hill.
According to the operators, proceeds from the sale of the donated goods would be given towards “essential environmental projects” run by the Gaia Movement Trust — after operating costs had been deducted. But an investigation by the Independent in 2000 found that no money from the proceeds of recycling had been donated to charity during the first three years of operation.
Neither Green World Recycling nor the Gaia Movement Trust are registered as charities in England. Its predecessor organisation, Humana UK, which ran similar clothes recycling schemes, was closed down by the Charity Commission in 1999.
It’s interesting that Sutton successfully used Planning Enforcement to get this removed. As a local councillor (in Haringey) I’m not against anyone running a responsible recycling business. But I do object to the exploitation of people’s charitable impulses.
Thanks for posting this and spreading the word.
Alan Stanton 30 May 2008 9:11 PM
This is very good effort made by sutton council, but i would like to know why you are doing nothing about the recycling company GROVENOR SAMARITIANS , PLANET AID , RATHBONE RECYCLING SERVICES MANA CARE AND CARING FOR CHILDREN IN THE GAMBIA. all of which are the same company who continue to place clothing and shoe recycling banks all over the west mids without permission. feel free to call me 0773 99 77 251
mike harrison 17 March 2010 10:36 PM