Westchester County Democrat Paul Feiner is proposing a law that would mandate clothing donation bins to have signs indicating where the donated clothes will end up. Currently, clothes donated in these bins are often sold by the ton to recycling companies for profit instead of being given to those in need. Feiner expressed disappointment at learning that most of the donations end up being shredded rather than going to people in need, despite the colorful photos on the bins showing people in need.
Feiner has been bothered by this issue for about a year and is advocating for more transparency around clothing donation bins. He emphasized the emotional connection that people feel when donating to these bins, thinking they are helping those less fortunate. A public hearing on the proposal was held to discuss the need for signage on donation bins to be as specific as possible, even if profits from the recycled clothes are donated to charity. Feiner urged for more care in choosing donation locations to ensure that the clothes actually reach those who need them, rather than being destroyed for profit.
While Feiner acknowledged that some donation locations, such as Midnight Run in Dobbs Ferry, ensure that the clothes donated there are worn, the donation bin outside Greenburgh Town Hall does not serve the same purpose. Clothes donated at this location ultimately end up being destroyed by a for-profit company who pays the government a fee to operate the bin. Feiner emphasized the need for donors to be aware of where their donations are going and suggested specific locations in Greenburgh where residents can donate clothes that will be used for their intended purpose.
Despite the disappointing reality of many clothing donation bins, Feiner expected little objection to his proposal for more specific signage on these bins. He highlighted the emotional impact of realizing that the donated clothes do not reach those in need, mentioning that his wife would sometimes clean and fold the clothing they donated, believing it would benefit those less fortunate. Feiner anticipated that the town board would pass the proposed law following a public review, ensuring that donors have a clearer understanding of where their contributions will go and encouraging them to choose donation locations carefully.
Feiner, who has been the Town Supervisor for Greenburgh for 32 years, is advocating for greater transparency in the clothing donation process. He is determined to ensure that donations actually reach those who need them and are not simply sold for profit. By proposing a law that would mandate signage on clothing donation bins, Feiner hopes to educate donors about the fate of their contributions and guide them towards locations where the clothes will be used as intended. With the support of the public and the town board, Feiner is optimistic that this measure will lead to more meaningful donations that benefit those in need.
