Per Evanston City Ordinance 23-O-14 Title 3, Chapter 31 it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to place a collection box or to allow to be placed or permit the placement of a collection box on its own property without first having obtained a license.

Collection Box License Renewal Application (apply online)

Collection Box License Application (printable - not available at this time)

Collection Box License Renewal Application (printable )- not available at this time)

DEFINITION OF A COLLECTION BOX:   An unattended container, receptacle or similar device that is used for soliciting and collecting donations of clothing or other salvageable personal property.  This term does not include any unattended collection box located within a building.

LOCATION: Placement of one (1) collection box is permitted only on the property of buildings owned and operated by
not-for-profit organizations, retail centers, schools and religious institutions.

Term of License:  License shall expire December 31 next after issuance.   Renewable annually with application.  

Contact: Ellyn Golden, Health Department Licensing Coordinator, egolden@cityofevanston.org or call 847-859-7676.

FEES:  $150 Annual Registration Fee      $75 Per Box 

Not-for profit organizations located in Evanston operating a collection box shall be exempt from paying license fee.

Applicant will be invoiced upon approval of license.

Documents to be included with an application are as follows.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed:

• Agreement from site host
• List of collection box locations
• Plat of survey showing location (foot print) of collection box
• Dimensions of collection box
• Example of contact information to be displayed on collection box
• Schedule of merchandise pick-up
• Proof of not-for-profit status of collection box owner

23-O-14 Regulation of Collection Boxes

Map of Licensed Collection Boxes