Consistent with the below press release from Inclusion BC, BACI has removed all our ClothesDrop bins from non-secure locations. We would like to thank everyone who has donated to our ClothesDrop Recycling Program over the years. While the removal of some of the bins may cause an inconvenience for you and a loss of revenue for BACI we are confident that you, like BACI value the safety and security of our fellow citizens. Those wishing to donate can still bring clothes to BACI’s office during business hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm). The ClothesDrop Recycling Program at BACI functions primarily as an employment opportunity for the people we serve; much of the revenue generated goes towards the wages of those who work in the social enterprise dedicated to the ClothesDrop Recycling Program. BACI wishes to assure all our employees that we are working diligently to limit any disruption this may cause to your employment. Please contact Richard Faucher at richard.faucher@gobaci.com with any questions.
PRESS RELEASE:
Inclusion BC, community partners to pull donation bins pending safety review
New Westminster, January 3, 2019 — Inclusion BC was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a man in one of our clothing donation bins in West Vancouver. Our deepest condolences go out to all who have been touched by this tragic event.
Safety is a top priority for Inclusion BC and our member agencies that participate in the ClothesDrop recycling program.
In 2018, we asked the University of BC’s Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Course to work with our Canadian bin manufacturer to design a new bin that would address safety issues and ensure a public safety standard. Student-designed safety modifications are now in the prototype phase to address how to prevent people from entering into the bins and other related safety issues.
At an emergency meeting on January 3, 2019, Inclusion BC and our member agencies decided to remove 146 bins currently placed in Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Interior BC and Central and North Vancouver Island. Removal has already started and should be completed by early next week. All bins will be moved to secure storage until safety modifications can be made to ensure public safety.
We will continue to work with our bin manufacturer, municipal authorities, design experts and community partners to formalize and promote the adoption of industry-wide safety standards to keep our communities safe. These are just initial steps towards ensuring public safety while we continue working with our partners, communities and other charities that rely on this fundraising model to find satisfactory solution to broader and complex issues.
We will continue to accept clothing donations at indoor and monitored collection sites pending resolution of the bin safety issues.
Links
About Inclusion BC
About our ClothesDrop recycling program
