Dear Editor,
Re: “Donation bins to be regulated,” News Jan. 20.
The City of Richmond has proposed new bylaws to govern donation bins in Richmond.
Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL) has three donation bins, which provide a regular job for people with a developmental disability and help fund much-needed services for children and adults with a disability and their families.
One hundred per cent of the funds RSCL receives from items donated to our bins benefit programs exclusively in Richmond.
The bylaws are intended to help regulate the distribution and placement of bins on city property.
We applaud this move as it is important the bin program is managed in a fashion that is acceptable to the community, while creating additional revenue for community non-profit organizations providing important social services and supporting environmentally friendly practices.
As has been widely reported in the media, the bylaws also respond to the significant amount of garbage that often surrounds bins.
The issue of “dumping” poses a large challenge for RSCL as we regularly have to remove garbage and large items from around the bins and dispose of them.
The cost of handling unwanted items and garbage reduces the financial benefit the bins offer.
Thank you to all our supporters who continue to make donations of clothing, household linens, toys and small appliances.
If it fits in the chute, it’s an acceptable donation, but please don’t leave larger items around the bins.
Janice Barr, executive director
Richmond Society for Community Living
