Clothing Bins As Urban Cow Tipping

After several clothing drop-off bins appeared on blocks between Newkirk and Foster Avenues earlier this year, neighbors helped get one removed from the corner of Westminster and Foster because it was overloaded and creating a mess. But yesterday, another one was in the same location — just tipped on its side, and yes, with a bag of clothing placed on top.

And last weekend, one on Argyle near Foster had also been tipped, though it was upright and back against the building soon after. What’s the deal? Is it just kids messing around, are people sick of these and hoping they’ll be trashed, or is this how the collection companies leave them?

It’s illegal for companies to place clothing collection bins on a public sidewalk. You can ask the city to remove it by filling out this form.

A reminder that there is a a program by the city to help apartment building residents recycle their clothing. If you live in a building with 10 or more units, your building owner or manager can request a free bin with pick-up services from the re-fashioNYC program.