At the BC meeting last night, a new clothing bin ordinance was discussed. The state has issued an allowance for municipalities to regulate the use of clothing bins. It was reported, some clothing collection areas (not necessarily in North Plainfield) are used by organizations other than charities. An example was provided that told of a company shipping the clothes overseas to be shredded for pillow stuffing for a profit.
The proposed ordinance, discussed last night, included a permit fee and dollar penalty for any ‘unkept’ location. The permit and penalty would only apply to the organization providing the bins, not the property owner. It was also suggested to set a very high permit fee in order to discourage general clothing bin use, given the tendency for these areas to be abused.
If North Plainfield doesn’t want these areas, the council should just have a ‘no bins allowed’ ordinance. There are plenty of other ways for individuals to donate clothing. Problem solved.
If the municipality wants to offer this service to reputable charities, the fee should only cover the administrative cost of issuing the permit, including a required standarized background check. The municipality shouldn’t ‘profit’ from permit fees when the use is for charity. The municipality should also require the signature of the property owner (where the bins are located), so the municipality can have a back up, if the bin organizer can’t be reached when there’s reports of abuse. The property owner should also be held liable for any penalties, in case the organizer fails to pay. That may make the property owner think twice about allowing a fly-by-night company to put bins on their property. In cases when the organizer wasn’t a respectable charitable organization, it wouldn’t surprise me if the property owner received a kick back.
The big challenge, again, would be enforcement.
Hal Hirsch, co-editor
2 responses so far ↓
Morgansh // October 15, 2009 at 7:50 pm |
I am very happy to know that with crime, insanely high property taxes, and a poor school system that is affecting real estate prices, that our local government can find the time to deal with the horrific charity clothes bin issue!
I would rather use up all my savings on taxes and see the value of my house drop to nothing than see another unkempt charity clothing bin!
well done North Plainfield!
leading the nation in denial and triviality!
Barbara Habeeb // October 23, 2009 at 11:20 am |
Speaking of crime. My Dad’s car was broken into on Wednesday night. Evidentally there has been a lot of break-ins especially in the west end of town. But yeah, the clothing bin issue is a big priority.