There are already 245 used clothing containers in Dortmund. However, Norbert Dahmen, head of the regulatory department, has received applications for 400 additional locations. “In principle, we have to comply with every application,” says Dahmen, explaining the legal situation, which also applies to other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund is now trying to control the situation by limiting it.
Upper limit for used clothing containers
“We want to ensure that public spaces are not flooded with containers,” says Dahmen. The containers sometimes cause problems at their locations, for example because sidewalks become blocked. Dahmen is therefore suggesting an upper limit to the city council. There should be a maximum of 300 used clothing containers in Dortmund. And only at locations where there are already waste paper and glass containers. Legally, Dortmund could be on thin ice. The city still wants to try an upper limit.
Church communities or non-profit organizations that set up containers on their own premises are not affected. Most containers in public spaces come from commercial companies that make money from recycling them.