The Polite House
The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?
If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations
What an unfortunate situation. Since you have already spoken with your neighbors about their trash and they complied with your request, I think it leaves you with less standing to ask them to abide by the 7 p.m. rule. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to seeing their trash cans for 24 hours every week for the rest of your life. You still have an avenue to pursue.
The source of the 7 p.m. rule. is unclear from your question. Was it your homeowners association? The property management company? Wherever the rule came from, that is the next place to speak to about it. First, ask what the trash can policy is, then ask if the organization has a protocol for enforcing it. If it does not, bring a solution or two with you so you have something to suggest. An email notice, door flier or direct call from the organization are possible solutions.
The source of the 7 p.m. rule. is unclear from your question. Was it your homeowners association? The property management company? Wherever the rule came from, that is the next place to speak to about it. First, ask what the trash can policy is, then ask if the organization has a protocol for enforcing it. If it does not, bring a solution or two with you so you have something to suggest. An email notice, door flier or direct call from the organization are possible solutions.
Some places set rules but are not good about enforcing them. If the organization isn’t willing to intervene, is there another neighbor who pays close attention to these types of rules? If so, this person might be an ally who could, like you did, mention the 7 p.m. rule to the offending neighbor.
I caution you though: This avenue could quickly turn into negative gossip. Be sure not to speak ill of your neighbors with the trash cans if you do talk to another neighbor about the issue. Simply speak to the problem. It could help to get the word across if whoever established the rule isn’t willing to enforce it.
What’s your question? To submit a question on etiquette around the house for Lizzie Post, send an email with the subject line “The Polite House” to edit@houzz.com.
See more from The Polite House
I caution you though: This avenue could quickly turn into negative gossip. Be sure not to speak ill of your neighbors with the trash cans if you do talk to another neighbor about the issue. Simply speak to the problem. It could help to get the word across if whoever established the rule isn’t willing to enforce it.
What’s your question? To submit a question on etiquette around the house for Lizzie Post, send an email with the subject line “The Polite House” to edit@houzz.com.
See more from The Polite House
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My next-door neighbors consistently put their trash at the curb the day before pickup. So the garbage sits there for me to look at for at least 24 hours before it’s picked up. I have two living room windows that face the curb, so I have a great view of their trash every week. They used to put their trash out two to three days before pickup, but I spoke to them about it once when we were all standing outside and it was convenient.
I mentioned first how nice her flowers were and how I enjoyed seeing them from my living room windows. Then I said I would appreciate it if they could wait until at least the day before pickup to put the trash out. Well, I have found out since then that you are not supposed to put your garbage out any earlier than 7 p.m. the night before pickup. My question is: Should I mention this to my neighbors (I’d sure like to), or do I just have to be happy that they’re at least not putting it out two to three days in advance?