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Bill requiring donation bin labels moves on

Signs would specify nonprofit, for-profit groups

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 24, 2009 at 12:05 a.m.

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A clothing and shoes donation bin stands in a parking lot at West 44th Avenue and Jay Street in Wheat Ridge. A Senate committee approved a bill that would require labels on donation bins indicating whether they're sponsored by for-profit or nonprofit groups.

Photo by Silvia Razgova © Special To The Rocky

A clothing and shoes donation bin stands in a parking lot at West 44th Avenue and Jay Street in Wheat Ridge. A Senate committee approved a bill that would require labels on donation bins indicating whether they're sponsored by for-profit or nonprofit groups.

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Over the years, Rep. Mark Waller and his wife have unloaded clothing, shoes and household goods into donation bins throughout their city.

The Colorado Springs Republican thought he was doing a good thing for charity. Now, he's not so sure.

Waller said he was unaware until recently that some bins marked "SHOES" and "CLOTHING" are actually operated by for-profit groups.

Waller and Sen. Rollie Heath, D-Boulder, are the sponsors of a bill that requires all donation bins include a label that would disclose whether the container is operated by a nonprofit or for-profit group.

"I'd like to know how my property is being used," Heath said.

House Bill 1052, which passed in the House, was approved Monday by the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on a 4-3 party-line vote.

All three Senate Republicans opposed the measure, questioning how it can be enforced and whether anyone in the public has expressed a concern.

"Do we have any reason to believe givers are being misled?" asked Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield.

Lorrie Molli of Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs said some bins spring up overnight and don't say what group or person is behind them.

And for some people, that doesn't matter, she said.

"We know donors give for convenience. Sometimes, they just don't care. They want it gone from their house. We understand that," Molli said.

But she said plenty of other donors want to support charities.

"They don't appreciate being duped," Molli said.

Goodwill Industries of Colorado is a nonprofit that uses proceeds from the sale of donated goods to its thrift to fund various projects, including jobs and after-school programs.

While there is no enforcement provision in the bill, Heath said he is hoping to "appeal to the 'good will' " of donors who might think twice about dropping off their property if they don't know who is going to receive it.