In the last month or so, about 100 of these bins – run by charities -- have popped up in eastern Loudoun, Delgaudio said.

He argues the bins could pose a safety hazard by obstructing drivers' vision.

"[The bins] are unsafe," he said. "They are obstructing the line of sight."

He also says they are a health issue.

“It provides space for rodents or other small animals,” he said. “This is why we try not to have temporary structures near where people walk."

On July 14, Delgaudio wrote a letter to Terry Wharton, director of the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, asking him if the drop-off bins constitute a zoning violation.

"I believe that [the bins] are not allowed by the zoning ordinance as an additional use for a commercial property that has not been authorized in the special exception or zoning ordinance manual," he wrote.

Delgaudio also presented his concerns to the Board of Supervisors this month.

Chairman Scott York (I-at large) said he too has seen an increase in the number of bins in Loudoun, especially in the Sterling area.

"If it is a zoning violation, it will be taken care of through the zoning administration," he said. "If it is not a zoning violation, then [Delgaudio] or another board member could have the option to come and ask that we do something ordinance-wise."

Delgaudio said his office has received several complaints about bins being placed on private property without the owner's permission.

Wayde Byard, spokesman for Loudoun County Public Schools, confirmed that a bin was placed without permission at Sterling Elementary School, but it has since been removed.

Brendan Hurley, spokesman for Goodwill of Greater Washington, said the nonprofit requires permission from a property owner before any bin is placed.

He said Goodwill has six bins in Loudoun.

Cam Aylesworth, spokesman for Planet Aid, said his organization requires permission from the host before placing a bin. There are 12 Planet Aid collection bins for clothes and shoes in Loudoun County.

Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com