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JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967
Posted:
We recently heard of another SFD HOA renting a dumpster for a week so Membership could unload stuff that they wouldn't normally put out with our twice-weekly garbage pickups - furniture, tons of empty boxes, closet cleanouts, general junk, whatever.

We like the idea, but are stuck on funding. On the one hand, our funds are designated for all things having to do with the Common Areas. On the other, the ByLaws give the Board broad powers to act "for the enjoyment and benefit of the Community."

1. Would you say the Board has the power to hire the dumpster on its own?
2. If not, would you say a majority YES vote by Membership would do the trick?

Thanks in advance.
GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491
Posted:
John I would have no objection to Association funds being used in this manor, however caution must be used. First to prevent outside use of the dumpster from people too cheap to properly dispose of their own clutter, I've seen a 40yd construction dumpster be "magically" filled over a weekend by outside users. Second in most cases you cannot use it to dispose of hazardous waste including appliances that contain Freon, so you also have to watch what your own homeowners put into it. The cartage company will return it to you to remove the offending items.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
I think it's a GREAT idea. There is a company around us that will bring in dumpsters for general trash, and then also oversee a special hazardous waste dumpster which uses a specific time for drop-off.
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Too bad all cities don't provide this service to their residents. Glendale, AZ has a large trash p/u every month. The city is divided into districts and each week a different district has the large trash p/u. I think Phoenix only provides this service once a year.

But, in answer to your question; I see no reason why the board can't make this decision, afterall they are charged with running the assn. Are you considering once a month or once a quarter???
KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
I think you have a great idea that falls into the use and benefit of the neighborhood. If you ahve3 a funding problem, then perhaps you could charge a small fee for people to put their trash into the dumpster. The amount should only look to cover the cost of the project (or a portion thereof).
JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967
Posted:
Thank you all, esp. for the heads-up on haz mats. I'll post again when we have gathered more info. Funds are no problem, and we were thinking of only doing it once a year.
KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
John,

If it is successful the first year, then I would check with membership and get input on frequency. You may find that it would be considered even better at twice a year. I can tell you that I much appreciate that our city picks up bulky items once a month and sort of miss my last city where it could be any week. (We did have to call and leave a voice mail no later then the night before a pickup, but that is so easy to do.)

One thing that also comes to mind is I would consider promoting this as a clean up weekend in the HOA as well. You could possibly get a local store to sponsor a coupon or two for paint, trash bags, etc.

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