Comments on: Donating Clothing? Beware For-Profit Drop Boxes

By: molly

molly — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:57:28 +0000

The EPA estimates that the percentage of clothing put in these bins (whether for profit or not)only accounts for about 15% of clothing disposed of in the USA; the rest ends up in landfills. I don’t know why people get all bent out of shape about it, when there are still so many clothes out there being wasted; we need more of these bins. We need them everywhere! The collection of clothes provides jobs to drivers, sort facilities, warehouse workers, and the local people selling the clothes in shops and flea markets. The people receiving the clothes (in the US and abroad) are benefiting from the lower cost of the clothes. So what if someone is making a profit in there, too? The clothes are being recycled rather than dumped. Does some of the money go to charity, in most cases at least a portion of it does. And when it doesn’t, well it is still better than the clothes ending up in the landfills. Now, if it is the possible criminal activity (what tax evasion?) at the top of the ranks of these organizations, well hello wake-up you are a consumer and therefore dealing with tons of corporations, most of which have somebody somewhere in their organization that has done something unethical, immoral, and even criminal. So tell me again, why I shouldn’t donate my clothes to the nearest bin? I feel good knowing that my donation is providing jobs to people here in the US, if nothing else, but most often it is also doing a lot more than that!

By: Gabby

Gabby — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:24:38 +0000

I read the fine print on the side of one of those drop-boxes right before I dropped my things in. I was shocked which led me to research such practices. As a new mom, with a growing child, I needed to constantly get rid of things and acquire new things. This inspired me to start my business, a kids clothing swap club. I thank you for this informative article. I try to share the truth about those drop boxes with everyone!

By: maddie

maddie — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:03:39 +0000

Person 2 Person in stamford/darien is good, so if that is on the box drop, then drop.

Just looking in the area should give you what you need to find. Research first. For research is your friend.

By: zorro

zorro — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:29:34 +0000

Mr. John and informed readers,

It isn’t ALL internet garbage, only everything that isn’t Planet Aid P.R. It’s the Better Business Bureau, Institute of Philanthropy, Boston Globe, & Toronto Star, and the BBC, among other organizations and publications. Exactly what percentage of profits go to people in need and how exactly are they helped? It is questionable practices at best, misrepresentation, and–at worst–ties to criminal activity. Look up Tvind, Teachers Group, or just put “Planet Aid” & fraud together in Google…then think about it (while you give LOCALLY) and decide.

By: Mr. John

Mr. John — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:48:10 +0000

Hey Roberto

What would you like to know? What kinds of Charities or Non-profits are you interested in?

By: roberto villanueva

roberto villanueva — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:42:57 +0000

please I want mor e information about charity npnprofit

By: Mr. John

Mr. John — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:09:30 +0000

Do you people really feed into this internet GARBAGE!!?? I am a rep of Planet Aid. Where do you get your information from. People please, let me clear the air for you. Planet Aid does collect clothing for reuse. The clothing is sold, correct. The profits are used to build schools, train teachers, AIDS programs, Food programs, ect. To whoever is reading this, trust me, this article is FULL of only ALLIGATIONS!! Most likely a for-profit company trying to bash on other for-profit and even successful non-profit companies. Believe half of what you see, and NONE of what you hear. Planet Aid has ties to criminal activity??? What??Planet Aid is in 20 different states in the U.S. Thats just rediculous. Get a real job. Have a good day. God Bless……..

By: blah

blah — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:31:31 +0000

Some organizations DON’T sell clothing overseas; just watch out for who does and who doesn’t. You can also sell or trade or swap clothes.
I know about that too. My friend(she lived in Africa)really witnessed this.

By: William Streever

William Streever — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:21:50 +0000

The boxes depending on locations, are often emptied twice a week. In connecticut most good locations do 2000 pounds a week. Mapgirl just so you know, almost all donated clothes are sold in overseas markets. Including all of goodwill and salvation armys product that isnt used in consignment stores. They donate the money they get from the sales of clothes. now for the guy who wrote the article, you are really on point and have some valid info. Im a non profit clothing collection company. It is not illeagle though for someone to be a for-profit. The other horrible thing are goverment allows is you can be a for-profit and rent a name from a charity much like big brothers big sister. American Thirft land inc. pays 15,000 dollars a year and then sells the cloths for .30 per pound. Now imagine a nation wide company that collects 3 million pounds per month. that is a gross profit of 900,000 dollars per month and they donate 15,000 dollars a year. It dosen’t say anywhere on there box that there not actally big brother big sister.

By: El

El — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:01:29 +0000

I’m curious as to how often these boxes are emptied and how much stuff doesn’t get used.

I always see signs screaming “No furniture, trash,” etc.