As part of a new code of practice announced by the ACT Government on Thursday, large metal donation bins from 55 locations around the ACT will be brought together and charities will be required to monitor graffiti and rubbish.

Bins outside charity retail stores will be allowed to remain under the plan.

Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury said charity organisations will be invited to express interest in the new locations and will be required to meet strict conditions for receiving donated items.

Organisations will be allowed a total of four bins at a single location and preference will be given to groups whose bins are already located at a suitable site.

The new sites include Dickson, Belconnen, Hawker, Kambah and the Mugga Resource Management Centre. The Territory and Municipal Services Directorate has published a map showing the locations as part of the expression of interest period.

Under the plan, the donation bins must clearly display the name of the charity, as well as a list of the approved items for donation, instructions not to leave items outside the bin and a 24-hour phone number to report issues such as illegal dumping or damage.

New bins will be placed in areas which do not impact visual amenity or pedestrian and vehicle access.

The changes follow several instances of large scale dumping of rubbish and donated items outside existing bins around Canberra.

A six month trial found that bins placed in centralised locations saw reduced levels of dumping and provided for more effective monitoring by charities and officials.

Mr Rattenbury said charities will be required to remove rubbish from the new locations within 24 hours of it being reported.

“Charity bins are a great way for the community to support charities with donations of clothing, footwear and blankets, but unfortunately they also attract illegal dumping.

‘‘This dumping causes amenity and safety issues, while also posing a problem for charity groups and ACT Government staff who are called on to remove it,” Mr Rattenbury said.

He said the code of practice would achieve a better balance between allowing charity donations and mitigating illegal dumping.

“The Code was developed in consultation with local charity groups and shop owners affected by illegal dumping,’’ Mr Rattenbury said.

“I’d like to thank the local charity sector as well as businesses involved in the trial for their assistance in developing the code.”

Charities have until May 16 to express interest to TAMS.