Comments on: AB 1978 would boost Goodwill’s bin bullying

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:49:23 +0000

First, I would like to thank Governor Brown for vetoing AB 1978! This gives the unattended collection box industry a chance to have a voice in crafting meaningful regulation next session. Second, the problem with AB 1978 was not the requirement of property owner or their agent’s permission but the legalized theft created in the notice provision. The bill required property owner notice to place the box but anybody could call, including Goodwill, to have it removed and there was not a requirement to provide verifiable notice to remove a box had been placed. The towing companies that were cleared of liability by the bill, could just pick the box up and place it in their yard. Third, as a local non-profit organization, Campus California does not pay a per pound, or any other fee, to our site hosts. We are grateful to the Governor for allowing cooler heads to prevail and we at Campus California look forward to working with the Legislature next session as we, too, would like to assure the industry is operating on a level playing field.

By: KA in KS

KA in KS — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:52:13 +0000

Have any of you read AB 1978? Or are you that quick to be persuaded by finger-pointing op-ed piece such as this? Whatever issue there is with Goodwill they certainly will not gain a monopoly on clothing donations simply by supporting AB 1978. Nor will the Tvind/Teachers Group run entities (U’SAgain, Campus California, GAIA-Movement Living Earth Green World Action, and Planet Aid) or D.A.R.E. be put out of business simply because they must obtain the property owner’s permission…a requirement already in several communities around the country. No…AB 1978 levels the playing field for all. It is a fair requirement to get permission first before placing a bin. And let’s not forget that both Planet Aid and U’SAgain have boasted about nation-wide agreements with some of these large property corporations…obviously that obstacle is not so difficult after all. Let’s also not forget that the Tvind entities typically pay property owners a per pound fee, giving them a nice incentive to allow a bin on their property. Does anyone get money from Goodwill when they drop their clothing off…no? Hmm. I may be alone in this but I support AB 1978. It forces bin operators to be responsible for these bins, and it give the business/property owners a tool by which they can protect their property. I say yes to AB 1978, and I thank California for considering it.

By: M.Moore

M.Moore — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:08:03 +0000

I have used Goodwill in the past. I had no idea they “Legally” paid their disabled employees sub-minimum wage. This is deplorable! I’m going elsewhere-to my nearest bin to donate from now on.

By: John Hrabe

John Hrabe — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:59:16 +0000

Tom,

I’d encourage you to start with the National Federation of the Blind’s information page. Check out http://www.nfb.org/fair-wages

John Hrabe
CalWatchdog.com

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:21:45 +0000

I have been a Goodwill customer and supporter for many years, but if this article is accurate – which I will check out myself – I will go elsewhere with my donations, maybe to D.A.R.E. I thought those people that help me in the Goodwill store were treated well, but this article describes their situation more like slave labor. It is really discuraging.

By: Ulysses Uhaul

Ulysses Uhaul — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:32:56 +0000

Lots of nonprofits need audits and investigation.

By: JB

JB — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:13:19 +0000

To put clothes collection bins into perspective, the EPA reports that on a national level we only reuse and recycle 15% of clothes, the rest ends up in landfills. CalRecycle reports that in California alone 880,000 tons of clothes are landfilled annually. This while 70% of the world’s population is dependent on used clothes to clothe themselves. Clothes collection bins fill an important role in making re-use and recycling of clothes and textiles convenient for the general public.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:11:19 +0000

Keep CA green & charitable! Sign petition asking Governor Jerry Brown to keep collection bin recycling in CA. Online petition link https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-keep-all-recycling-and-charitable-options-open-veto-ab-1978