Philadelphia Council panel approves regulations for donation bins

A bill to regulate clothing donation bins has cleared a Philadelphia City Council committee. 

The Licenses and Inspections Committee measure sets standards for the donation bins that have been springing up around the area.

Jay Butler said a bin appeared overnight near his business at 21st Street and Hunting Park Avenue and was never emptied.

“Couple weeks go by and the bin is full, couple more weeks go by, and clothes are falling all over the place,” he said.

Eighth District Councilwoman Cindy Bass said the bins have become eyesores.

“You ride by these bins, they look awful, they are a magnet for other dumping and trash and debris,” she said.

The bill requires owners to empty the bins weekly, provide their contact information on the receptacles and prohibits them from placing the bins on residential property.