Neighbor dumping trash into my garbage can

[Anonymous]

So what did you do OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just ask them about it/ask them not to do it again. Our neighbors were dumping in our trash at one point and we politely asked them not to, saying it took up space for our trash, and they stopped.

Amazing that adults need to be told this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Technically, once the trashcan is on the curb of a public street it becomes fair game for anyone to use ...or in the case of the police during an investigation, can take items from said trash to obtain DNA w/o your permission (pizza crust, cigarettes, etc).
So unless Op's neighbors came onto her property to dispose of trash she doesn't gave much of an argument except ethically.

There's a difference between adding trash and removing trash. The precedent from those cases is that you have no expectation of privacy after discarding something. The precedent isn't that your trash is now available for public use.

[Anonymous]

Walk over. Have a conversation. You can do it!!
Ask if they've seen anyone put garbage in your can. You know someone is and you'd like that to stop. So, if they could please let you know if they see anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Technically, once the trashcan is on the curb of a public street it becomes fair game for anyone to use ...or in the case of the police during an investigation, can take items from said trash to obtain DNA w/o your permission (pizza crust, cigarettes, etc).
So unless Op's neighbors came onto her property to dispose of trash she doesn't gave much of an argument except ethically.

There's a difference between adding trash and removing trash. The precedent from those cases is that you have no expectation of privacy after discarding something. The precedent isn't that your trash is now available for public use.

DP - and it's about what is the courteous, neighborly way to behave - not what you would be entitled to legally - which it sounds would have no basis either.

Do unto others...if it would annoy you if someone did it you, don't do it to them.
Does anyone else have the impression that people are just getting more self-centered in recent years? it's ME ME ME ME, whatever suits my fancy, my needs, my priorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not walk over there and ask them, like a grown up?

Yup. This^. May be a worker did that or neighbor thought you won't mind. Be nice but request to seek permission next time as you have limited trash can space. Overall, we all know how tough remodeling or repairs can be so approach this issue with some compassion.

[Anonymous]

I know my neighbors would offer to help, make space in their trash can, drive us to city dump to make the drop or whatever to make it easy. I would never do it but if I do dump something in their trashcan, no one would bat an eye knowing it must be a last resort and there must be an explanatory message in their inbox.

[Anonymous]

We live in a row home in DC. This happens all the time with our neighbors around us. If you know who the dumper is, and it sounds like you do, then yes by all means you should just return the trash to them. If it’s not in bags, then grab a hefty bag and fill it up. Whatever works. But return the trash and think nothing of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know my neighbors would offer to help, make space in their trash can, drive us to city dump to make the drop or whatever to make it easy. I would never do it but if I do dump something in their trashcan, no one would bat an eye knowing it must be a last resort and there must be an explanatory message in their inbox.

i

Ok Mrs Cleaver but that’s not the situation here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know my neighbors would offer to help, make space in their trash can, drive us to city dump to make the drop or whatever to make it easy. I would never do it but if I do dump something in their trashcan, no one would bat an eye knowing it must be a last resort and there must be an explanatory message in their inbox.

Ok well then you just march on over to Tony with the pierced lips and eyebrows and ‘DEATH’ tattoo on his forehead and calmly explain that’s not how things are done around here mister.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d talk to them about it. They might not even know.

+1
Our contractor dumped his construction trash in my neighbor’s empty trash bin. Thankfully my neighbor walked over and told me while the contractor was talking to me. I asked the contractor to empty it out.

BTW, the trash collectors had not come for pickup, and neighbors trash can also had her trash. My contractor justified his action based on that. Ugh, no. If he needed to throw trash, he could use my trash can. There was no reason to inconvenience my neighbor. Other people’s trash can is not public property.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d talk to them about it. They might not even know.

+1
Our contractor dumped his construction trash in my neighbor’s empty trash bin. Thankfully my neighbor walked over and told me while the contractor was talking to me. I asked the contractor to empty it out.

BTW, the trash collectors had not come for pickup, and neighbors trash can also had her trash. My contractor justified his action based on that. Ugh, no. If he needed to throw trash, he could use my trash can. There was no reason to inconvenience my neighbor. Other people’s trash can is not public property.

Sorry, I meant to write half filled trash can, not empty.

[Anonymous]

Just grab your bins the minute the trash is picked up.

[Anonymous]

We have a neighbor who likes to drop their dog poop bags into our trash bin by road.
The problem is these bags sometimes break or in heat of summer smell up the container horribly, especially if sitting until next pickup..
They don't grasp this and I finally had to make a firm issue out of it.

[Anonymous]

The trash company won't pick up concrete. I'd leave it on the curb. It could be the neighbors or it could be a stranger. I would not take responsibility for it.