Problems with trash

Among the various problems our HOA is dealing with, one of them is trash. Back in the 90's we didn't have this problem. Residents were courteous, put their trash in trashcans. Each homeowner purchased a can so there would be enough.

Now, cans are always going missing.

But the biggest problem is that people don't put trash in the cans. They just toss it inside the bins, sometimes without bags! Our board doesn't know what to do. We thought about curbside, but it would be hard on elderly residents to haul cans around to the front, especially since we are town houses.

A resident sent a picture today. It's a mess.
Anyone have any ideas?

Sorry Paul - Missed your comment - You are in Townhomes. Apparantly - Non garage.. correct?

You'll find all kinds of previous threads on this. We're a mix of all 3 and we have a terrible problem where the non-garage homes are located. A lot of residents want to store there 50gal trash can in front of the home on the front porch and of course, that's a violation. Some of the homeowners use Good Trash Cans, some use good heavy black bags, some lightweight white kitchen bags, and even some are the thin clear bags that are about as thin as a dry-cleaner's bag that covers your suits. I would really like to modify the CCR's/Design guidelines so that there's a minimum standard, since the dogs, cats, crows, possums, skunks and racoons, don't tear them up overnight. Frequently there is trash all over the street and then of course it goes into the storm drains and then it winds up in the SWM ponds and outfalls areas. We're right next to a flood plain, so we're actually polluting the Chesapeake watershed.

Re: Missing Cans - We recommend that folks label their cans with the address. Re: Trash Bags - I wish that we could implement a minimum standard, guage, or type of bag, or require them to use Receptacles (50 gal trash can with lid); but I suppose that's over-regulating things.

It is a huge problem. The City picks up our trash, but they will not pick up anything that is not in trash bags. So we had to hire someone that comes once a week to clean the bins. He also removes bulk items such as mattresses.

Our manager sent us his latest bill for pay approval, and it was over $400 to haul stuff away. If it is that every month we will be spending over $4800 a year just to remove mattresses and junk.

We are a townhouse community with no garages. Our board thought of curbside, but after debating it we feel it could create another problem.

PauG:

Are these dumpster containers like 10 yard? Or 20 yard containers? Perhaps enclosing them with fencing would 1st hide the unsightly container, and force the person to enter into the fenced area to dump their trash.

If you are in a state that mandates recycling, perhaps you can have different containers placed throughout the property for things such as cardboard, cans and have the City come make weekly pass through for bulk items.

I'm sure if you called the City and spoke with Public Works they could help you come up with a resolution to best suit your townhome needs.