For-Profit Clothing Bins: Where Do You Donate?

USA Today recently ran a story about the impact of for-profit textile recycling on non-profit organizations, in which Goodwill spokeswoman Lauren Lawson-Zilai said for-profit bins often “aren’t labeled properly or mislead donors.” A neighbor with similar feelings wrote us about some local clothing donation bins:

There are a number of clothing donation boxes spread around the neighborhood, some of which are from Pass It On and USAgain.

As I have no car, a toddler with me all the time, and Goodwill doesn’t pick up clothing, I’ve dropped off a fair amount of stuff in the box on E. 17 and Cortelyou because it’s closest to me and I figured it was going to someone in need.

To find out that those things (which included work clothes, winter coats, and baby clothes) not only aren’t going to charity, but to a for-profit company, is upsetting.

Like Lawson-Zilai, the neighbor expressed concern over inadequate labeling on the bins, prompting us to ask: do you drop off at Pass It On and USAgain’s donation bins, and if so, were you aware of their for-profit status?

Of course, Ditmas Park-ers can always drop off clothing and textiles at the non-profit Greenmarket recycling station, or donate linens to Sean Casey Animal Rescue.

Where’s your preferred place to donate?