DeKalb, Illinois, Bans Clothing Donation Bins

Residents of DeKalb, Illinois, might have noticed that it is now much more difficult to donate their used clothing because the City of DeKalb has banned clothing collection bins in commercially zoned areas. There used to be approximately 18 such collection bins around town, for example, a Goodwill bin in front of Sullivans grocery store on South 4th Street, two U'SAgain bins across the street at G and L Auto, two more in the parking lot to the west of Walmart, and two in the parking lot of a liquor store on Annie Glidden Road.

Although some of the bins have been present for years, the city recently sent zoning violation letters to the property owners who allowed the bins to be placed on their land. The City says that the bins violate Article 5.08 of the City of DeKalb Unified Development Ordinance. The letters threaten fines and, or legal action, and are signed by Derek Hiland, City Planner. City employees say that DeKalb sees the bins as recycling centers, which are not allowed in the commercial zones.

Discussions with City employees reveal that the bins may be moved to industrially zoned areas, with a permit. Such areas have less traffic flow and are generally less visible to the public. It is not known if any bins have been moved to said areas.

Bins are allowed at the Salvation Army because the bins are obviously related to the use of the property and they are located close to the building.

City employees say that one reason the bins were banned was that clothing sometimes overflowed and made an unsightly mess. No other reason was given.

Since the letters went out, all of the bins listed above have been removed.

Residents of DeKalb seeking to donate can drive to Sycamore, Illinois, located just to the north of DeKalb. Numerous well maintained bins are located in the parking lot of Brown's Supermarket, 303 E. State Street. Overflow of the bins does not seem to be a problem there because there are enough bins to handle the rate of donation, which seems to be high.

A drive through almost any town in the suburbs of Chicago will reveal scattered donation sites for clothing placed by charities or for profit businesses. Some of the collections are bundled and sent overseas for profit. For profit companies usually also run charitable events. U'SAgain explains its business and charity plan at www.usagain2.com .