Darien Debate: Donation Bins Or Dumping Grounds?

DARIEN, IL – A for-profit company has Darien's permission to place three clothing donation bins at local businesses.

Before the City Council approved the bins Monday, aldermen expressed concern that people may use the bins as dumping grounds.

A couple of years ago, aldermen talked about dumping at the bin at Walmart for AMVETS, a national group that helps veterans.

USAgain asked the city for bins at Fry the Coop restaurant, 2019 75th St.; Darien KinderCare, 7906 Cass Ave.; and Shell gas station, 8226 Cass Ave.

Alderman Mary Sullivan said she remembered the discussion about people treating the AMVETS bin like a garbage dump – "the things that get stockpiled outside these collection sites."

Alderman Gerry Leganski had similar concerns. He said the bins may be fine inside town, but he said the bin at the gas station, near an expressway, may become problematic.

"I would rather kind of like to start slow – crawl before we walk," Leganski said.

Andrew Proctor of USAgain said his company pays businesses to lease space for the donation bins. But he said his firm is responsible for taking care of the bins.

If it becomes a dumping ground, Proctor said, the property owner "is going to kick us out, and we don't want that to happen."

Alderman approved the donation bins, but required a review after one year.