It’s wonderful that during the holiday season our community always comes through with donations of clothing and household goods for the less-fortunate, at a number of legitimate donation locations. Unfortunately, during this season there is also an increase in illegal dumping of such items – often with good intentions but in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Redwood City’s Code Enforcement staff reminds the community that it is illegal to dump or leave household goods or clothes, even as a donation, in a location that does not accept such items, or at a time when such donations are not accepted. These items often do not find their way to those in-need, and they are also an eyesore, foster further unlawful dumping of garbage and other materials, and create a habitat for rodents and other pests.

For example, the Savers store at 875 Main Street generously accepts donations from 7 am to 9 pm weekday and 10 am – 6 pm weekends. However, there are many instances of donated items being left there at other times – they merely pile up and attract illegal dumping of garbage and debris. It’s important to point out that the donation area behind Savers is now under 24 hour-a-day video surveillance and violators will be prosecuted. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other groups also accept donations during certain hours. Three other areas that seem to attract dumping are the alleys on Jefferson Avenue between Fulton and Adams Street, and on Redwood Avenue and Poplar Avenue between Hudson Street and El Camino Real.

Everyone is responsible for helping to keep our community clean, and the condition and appearance of our streets reflects on the entire community. Redwood City Code Enforcement reminds the public to not dump illegally, or drop-off donated items outside of the appropriate times. Go to www.recycleworks.org for information about how and where to recycle a variety of materials. Contact Allied Waste at 650-592-2411, or (after January 1, 2011) Recology at 650-595-3900 for information about how to properly dispose of debris or other non-recyclable materials. Report illegal dumping to Redwood City Code Enforcement at 650-780-7350.