Elgin cracking down on collection bins

Just like other suburbs have done over the years, Elgin is regulating collection bins that mysteriously popped up all over town in recent weeks.

The bins, which accept donated clothing, shoes and other items, typically are placed without the permission of the property owners, often on vacant lots or in large commercial parking lots where they go unnoticed, Community Development Marc Mylott said.

The city council's committee of the whole unanimously approved a proposed ordinance Wednesday night requiring the bins to get a $75 yearly license and be placed only on "customary and traditional" locations, such as government buildings, police and fire stations, churches, libraries and nonprofit agencies. A final vote will be required by the city council.

Councilman John Prigge, who brought up the topic at a meeting in late May, praised staff members for their "fast action."

Many of the bins, which appeared in multiple locations in the east and west sides of town, were seized by the police department after complaints by property owners. Some of the bins became sites for unlawful dumping, especially of electronics.

"It's not the image we want to project of our community," Councilman Rich Dunne said.

St. Charles, Schaumburg and Palatine are among the towns which regulate collection bins, many of which are run by for-profit companies.

The bins that appeared in Elgin either had no contact information, or a telephone number that rings to a prerecorded message.

The annual license will be waived for nonprofits and units of local government. The bins cannot be located on vacant lots, right-of-way areas or street yards, and must be placed on hard surfaces.

Failure to maintain the bins will trigger confiscation after a 48-hour notice. Owners will be charged $100 plus $25 per day to retrieve the bins, plus "any additional reasonable removal costs."