Clothing recyclers frustrated by criminals in donation bin industry [Video]

An organization that represents clothing recyclers across North America says they’re frustrated after a W5 investigation found a fake charity and some violent players connected to organized crime have been muscling in on the clothing donation bin industry, and is calling for governments to do more.

The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association, or SMART, has a code of conduct and encourages its members to behave ethically, but is limited in what it can do when others break its rules, said the group’s president, Brian London.

“The industry as a whole is aligned with these priorities of making sure that we maintain a good reputation and allow charities to benefit from textile recycling efforts,” London said.

“There are cases where people mislead the public, which is why we encourage there to be smart regulation that allows for all donation options while maintaining the transparency that we think is important,” he said.

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London was speaking after a W5 investigation …