Perth, has seen its fair share of bizarre items discarded in its environment. Whether during local Rubbish Removal or as part of municipal waste management efforts, these strange finds reveal the importance of community action in keeping our city clean. Below are the top ten weirdest items removed as rubbish in Perth, each with an interesting story to tell.
1. Vintage Bathtub at a Beach Clean-Up
During a coastal clean-up event organised by Keep Australia Beautiful WA, volunteers stumbled across an unexpected find: a full-sized, claw-footed vintage bathtub abandoned near the foreshore. The tub, likely decades old, was found partially buried in sand, suggesting it had been there for some time. It took several volunteers and significant effort to dig it out and carry it to the collection point. The strange discovery prompted questions about how and why such a heavy item ended up at the beach in the first place. Was it discarded by someone after a renovation, or perhaps part of an eccentric art project that was never completed? Regardless, the incident highlighted the lengths to which volunteers go to keep our coastal areas clean.
2. Human-Sized Teddy Bear in the Bush
In the bushland on the outskirts of Perth, a team of community volunteers discovered a human-sized teddy bear, partly covered by leaves and branches. The oversized toy had clearly been exposed to the elements for some time, with its fur dirty and faded. Removing the bear wasn’t easy due to its size and bulk. The volunteers speculated that the teddy bear might have been discarded following a failed event or simply dumped as a prank. The teddy bear became an instant talking point among the volunteers and was eventually transported to a waste management facility. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the need for responsible disposal of large toys, which can have a surprisingly negative impact on local wildlife.
3. Clandestine Meth Lab Equipment
One of the more dangerous finds during clean-up operations involved discovering remnants of a clandestine meth lab. The stash included glass beakers, rubber tubing, and barrels, all of which were covered in a thick layer of grime and chemical residue. This find, in an isolated area of bushland, posed a significant risk to the volunteers. The items were promptly reported to the authorities, who handled the safe removal. This discovery underscores the importance of safety and caution during community clean-ups, as discarded drug paraphernalia can be hazardous to both humans and the environment. It also highlights an unfortunate trend of illegal activities leaving a footprint on Perth’s natural landscape.
4. Car Parts from Multiple Vehicles
While litter pick-up usually involves smaller items like plastic bottles or cigarette butts, one clean-up event took a different turn when multiple discarded car parts were found. Volunteers uncovered car doors, tyres, bumpers, and even a steering wheel spread across a large area. The scene looked like something from a post-apocalyptic movie, with various parts seemingly abandoned without any regard for environmental impact. It is believed that these parts may have originated from illegal car dismantling operations, where stolen vehicles are stripped for valuable components, and the rest is dumped. Such illegal dumping not only damages the local environment but also poses significant risks to residents and wildlife.
5. An Abandoned Fortune-Telling Booth
Another unusual find included an entire fortune-telling booth, discovered in an open field. This booth, complete with its glass front and some of the original props, was a peculiar sight for the volunteers. Inside the booth were faded tarot cards, a dusty crystal ball, and even a stool for clients to sit on. The booth appeared to be in surprisingly good condition, raising questions about its history and how it ended up abandoned. Perhaps it had been used in a fair or festival, and its owner had no means of transporting it back home. While amusing, the disposal of such a large structure is irresponsible and adds unnecessary strain on waste removal services.
6. A Complete Inflatable Bouncy Castle
One of the largest and most surprising items found during a clean-up was a deflated inflatable bouncy castle discarded near the Swan River. Measuring several metres across even when deflated, the bouncy castle required a coordinated effort involving heavy-duty equipment to remove. The structure appeared to have been used recently, possibly for a party or event, before being thoughtlessly abandoned. Improper disposal of large inflatables like this poses risks to the local environment, including harming plant life and obstructing waterways. This incident also highlighted the need for stricter guidelines and enforcement regarding the disposal of event equipment.
7. Old Arcade Machines
In an industrial area on the outskirts of Perth, volunteers discovered several vintage arcade machines discarded as waste. The machines were largely broken, with shattered screens and exposed wiring. Despite their poor condition, these machines still contained electronic components that could leach harmful chemicals into the soil if not properly disposed of. The discovery of these old, nostalgic relics was met with mixed emotions—a sense of curiosity, as some volunteers reminisced about playing similar games in their youth, but also concern for the environmental impact of improperly discarded e-waste. Electronic waste like this needs to be handled by specialists to prevent soil contamination and other environmental harm.
8. A Collection of Mannequins
Deep in a patch of bushland, a group of clean-up volunteers found a strange collection of mannequins. Some were dressed in tattered clothing, while others were missing limbs, creating a rather eerie sight. The mannequins had clearly been there for quite some time, with some even partially buried. This strange find led to speculation about its origins, with theories ranging from an abandoned art project to a prank gone wrong. Such items not only contribute to litter but can also disturb local wildlife, who may see them as potential threats or obstructions in their habitat.
9. Toilet Bowl Filled with Cement
Perhaps one of the most inexplicable finds was a toilet bowl filled entirely with hardened cement, discovered dumped at the edge of a recreational area. This item appeared to have been discarded during a renovation, with the cement likely poured into it as a way to avoid disposal fees. Unfortunately, the cement-filled bowl was incredibly heavy and required several people to move. This incident highlights the lengths some people will go to in order to avoid proper disposal procedures, adding strain to community resources tasked with clean-up efforts.
10. Unopened Boxes of Expired Medical Supplies
During a community clean-up near a remote area, volunteers uncovered multiple unopened boxes of expired medical supplies. The supplies included syringes, bandages, and antiseptic wipes, all of which were past their use-by dates. This find posed a serious health risk, as medical waste requires specific handling to prevent contamination and injury. Specialists had to be called in to safely dispose of the supplies, and the incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by volunteers. It also highlighted the need for better regulation around the disposal of medical supplies, ensuring they do not end up in the environment where they can cause harm.
The Importance of Responsible Disposal
These strange and often hazardous finds underscore the importance of responsible Rubbish Removal and community involvement in keeping Perth’s environment clean. From abandoned bathtubs to clandestine drug paraphernalia, the variety of rubbish found serves as a stark reminder of the environmental impact of irresponsible behaviour. Rubbish Removal, organised by Rubbish removal Businesses, play a crucial role in mitigating this impact, but ultimately, reducing such occurrences relies on individuals making responsible choices about how they dispose of their waste.