Many of them lack permits and are not actually connected to local charities.<\/p>\n
Mulcahy says many of the companies that run these bins don’t give donations to those in need but instead resell the items they collect.<\/p>\n
Mulcahy says that’s taking away resources from groups that actually serve the community.<\/p>\n
“We know that these bins are on our streets illegally and our city should have the right, without even a question, to remove them,” he said.<\/p>\n
The councilmember says that if you want to make sure your donations go to a legitimate nonprofit, the best thing you can do is take your items to a bin run by an organization like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.<\/p>\n
MORE: San Jose removes over 100K pounds of trash from Columbus Park encampment cleanup<\/a><\/p>\n The city says it’s working to crack down on the problem as soon as possible. But with new bins popping up each week, officials can’t solve it on their own.<\/p>\n “We’re asking people in San Jose to send an email todistrictsix@sanjoseca.gov. Send us a photo and an address and let us know where they are,” Mulcahy said.<\/p>\n And while it may take time for San Jose to get the unpermitted bins off the streets, the people we spoke with say it’s an effort they fully support.<\/p>\n “Absolutely, why not? Because why have stuff just thrown everywhere in random parking lots? It doesn’t make anyone feel good when they drive by it,” said Kristen Harris.<\/p>\n
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