Caution when using charity bins [Video]

HARTFORD, Conn — The Department of Consumer Protection is urging people to do their research before donating clothes to roadside charity bins. 

Some charity bins  offer a drop-off location for clothes and shoes. Officials said DCP’s Investigations Division is investigating charity bins that do not follow state regulations, operating without proper registration and not donate items or revenue to charity as promised.

Investigators found 120 non-complaint charity bins in Connecticut. Officials said they have issued 23 tickets to companies for a variety of issues, including improper labeling, missing registration and lack of permission from property owners.

“Making donations through roadside charity bins may seem like a convenient and harmless way to make a donation to your community,” said “Unfortunately, impersonators have started placing fraudulent look-alike bins around the state. They then sell the donated items instead of providing them …