Louisville officials have begun removing dozens of illegal donation bins that have appeared across the city, citing concerns about crime, illegal dumping, and public safety.
Metro Council members estimate that hundreds of unauthorized bins may be scattered throughout Louisville. Councilwoman Crystal Bast said investigations have revealed that the bins contain far more than donated clothing.
“These are being used to toss illegal guns,” Bast said. “They have found dogs inside of these.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city plans to remove all illegal bins over the next few weeks. According to the mayor, Metro officials have already cited 22 illegal bins so far in January.
Many of the bins are placed in parking lots using forged permits, leaving business owners responsible for the cleanup.
“When that stuff is set on the streets and parking lots, it’s on the owner to clean that up,” said Mike Mulrooney, founder of Shirley’s Way. “These owners are being unfairly held accountable for things they had nothing to do with.”
How to spot a fake donation bin
City leaders said many illegal bins appear generic, often labeled only with phrases like “shoes and clothing,” and list nonprofits that do not actually exist. Officials noted the bins frequently include misspelled words or fake or missing contact information. Items found inside have ranged from clothing to animals.
“Here’s the part that should concern everyone,” Bast said. “In other cities and states, these bins have been tied to money laundering, drug cartel drops, and human trafficking.”
Licensed donation bins in Louisville
Main Source Trading, Inc. is currently the only company licensed to operate donation drop-off bins in Louisville. The city-approved locations include:
4920 Poplar Level Road
3165 S. 2nd Street
4501 Outer Loop Road
4801 Outer Loop Road
Greenberg said Metro Codes and Regulations crews will continue removing unauthorized bins in the coming days. Many of the bins identified in earlier reports have already been taken away.
“It’s a pretty quick operation,” Greenberg said. “We bring the equipment out and remove them as fast as possible. Our hope is that whoever is behind this will take them away once they see how serious we are.”
Greenberg said he does not yet have an estimate for how much the removals will cost the city or how officials will ensure the bins do not return.
“They’re being cited,” he said. “If someone wants to come claim them, we’ll have some questions before they’re given back.”
At this time, officials said there are no confirmed leads on who is placing the bins. Bast added that surveillance footage shows vehicles dropping off bins using fake license plate numbers.
Greenberg said any donations recovered from the illegal bins will be distributed to legitimate charities.
City leaders are encouraging residents to donate items to recognized organizations such as Shirley’s Way, Goodwill, and Exodus Ministries.
Anyone who sees a suspected illegal donation bin is urged to report it to Louisville’s Department of Codes and Regulations or call MetroSafe at 311.
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