The City Council has passed a bill to regulate clothing collection bins that are illegally placed on public property and often become quality of life concerns in borough communities.
Courtesy of Councilwoman Crowley’s Office
The City Council has passed a bill that takes aim at particular eyesores that proliferate during the holiday season.
Last Thursday, the council approved legislation that would regulate clothing collection bins that are illegally placed on public property.
The law allows the city Department of Sanitation to immediately remove any illegally placed collection bin located on public property. Currently, the DSNY is authorized to remove bins 30 days after posting a notice on them; however, bin owners are able to relocate the receptacle within the 30-day period to avoid receiving a violation.
Additionally, the bill establishes a civil penalty of $250 for the first offense, and $500 for each subsequent offense within 18 months, for the placement of collection bins on city property, and doubles those penalties if the bin has been attached to city property.
From Fiscal Year 2012 to FY 2014, the number of violations for illegal clothing-collection bins jumped dramatically to 2,093 from 97, according to Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale).
“My office has seen a recent influx of complaints regarding these bins and it was time for the city to step up enforcement,” said Crowley, who voted in support of the bill.
By Forum Staff
