New Louisville rules require permits, licensing for donation bins across the city

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance Thursday night regulating donation drop-off bins across the city, requiring companies and individual bins to be licensed and permitted before they can be placed on properties.

The measure establishes a Donation Drop-Off Bin Licensing Program under Chapter 156 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances. Under the ordinance, companies that provide and install donation bins must obtain a license from the city. Each individual bin must also have its own permit, and every location where a bin is placed must receive city approval.

The rules also outline maintenance standards to ensure bins are kept clean and in good condition. Companies that fail to follow the requirements could face penalties.

Dozens of unlicensed bins have popped up across the city in the last year, many of which were linked to safety concerns and illegal dumping. City officials said the bins were often placed in parking lots using forged permits, leaving business owners responsible for cleaning up trash and donated items left outside them.

Metro Councilwoman Crystal Bast previously said the bins have been used for more than clothing donations, with reports of illegal guns, animals and other items being dumped inside. Officials also warned similar bins in other states have been tied to crimes such as money laundering and human trafficking.

According to information from Louisville Metro officials, fines for violations can reach $500 per bin. Additional storage fees of $10 per day may also apply if bins are removed and held by the city. Administrative costs related to enforcement can also reach up to $500 unless otherwise specified.

Bast said the next step after Thursday's vote is working with the county attorney’s office to clean up the existing ordinance and implement additional requirements.

"The next steps will be cleaning up the existing ordinance with the county attorney’s office as well as adding changes to require a notarized application for permit from the property owner giving permission to place a bin," Bast said.

City officials said the program is intended to provide oversight and ensure donation bins are properly managed throughout Louisville.

Property owners or organizations planning to install a donation drop-off bin can review the full requirements in Chapter 156 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances.