Donation bins to appear in Boynton Beach

Residents could see up to 50 bins for unwanted clothing and other items pop up around the city now that Boynton Beach officials have decided to partner with a textile recycling company in a deal that promises the former about $100,000 per year at least.

The company, Florida Textile Recycling Programs, said Davie in Broward County has a contract with them, and the town has received more than $360,000 in three years.

In Boynton, 50 bins might not mean 50 locations. One shopping center could accommodate three bins, said company Chairman Mark Douglas. And even if the company can’t come up with places for 50 containers, the city would still get the $100,000.

City officials chose this company over Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, despite a committee of three city employees recommending they choose the nonprofit. Staff said having the bins helps protect the environment by keeping reusable clothing and textile items out of landfills and encourages charitable donations.

Despite Goodwill wanting the deal, the nonprofit said they’ve worked to ban the kiosks elsewhere. The nonprofit has to compete with for-profit companies for these, said Brian Edwards, Goodwill’s vice president of marketing and development.

But “we can’t afford not to bid,” Edwards said. He said the money the nonprofit would make from recycling the items goes directly to their programs and services.

“There’s always the argument that there’s enough to go around for everybody. What we’re experiencing in the textile donated-goods industry for nonprofits is that is not the case,” Edwards said.

Commissioner Justin Katz said it sounded like Goodwill was trying to create a “de facto monopoly.”

All commissioners voted for Florida Textile except for Commissioner Mack McCray. He praised Goodwill’s work in the community. He also said he doesn’t want the city “to become a bin-complacent city.”