State regulators could soon crack down on some clothing donation bin operators that still aren't following the law.
The operators were warned, and had four months to make changes, but some still aren't falling in line.
The law took effect July 1, and its purpose was to let consumers know where their donations are going and what, if any charity, their donation is helping.
So bin operators must now clearly label each bin in large letters, indicating whether it is operated by a charity or not, along with contact information for that charity and a brief statement on where the donations are going.
But, at the corner of Dickerson Pike and Ewing Drive, we found not only a huge mess in front of the bin operated by New Hope Recycling, but the required information was also missing.
New Hope is actually a for-profit company, and nothing given to its bins goes to charity. The law says that must be posted on at least two sides of the bin. The state gave bin operators until November 1, to come into compliance and regulators say most did. The Tennessee Division of Charitable Solicitations will now begin issuing fines up to $5,000 for each bin not following the law and those bin operators could be forced out of business in Tennessee.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett told NewsChannel 5 Investigates they gave them plenty of time to follow the law, and now it is time to enforce it.
They want to hear from you. If you see a bin that looks like it's in violation, just post a picture of it on social media with the hashtag #BinCheck and be sure to include the bin's location, the street, city and county where you see it along with the name of any business it's near.
At least two bin companies decided to move out of Tennessee after the new law took effect rather than make the changes.
For previous stories click here.
