Neighbor's Trash
A couple years ago a new neighbor purchased the brownstone next door to mine, and since then, at least 80 percent of the time, the trash from that house gets placed in front of MY brownstone on the nights when we put out trash and/or recycling on our block. I see the neighbor tries to…
A couple years ago a new neighbor purchased the brownstone next door to mine, and since then, at least 80 percent of the time, the trash from that house gets placed in front of MY brownstone on the nights when we put out trash and/or recycling on our block. I see the neighbor tries to put it where there is a break between cars (to make it easier for the sanitation workers), and they do have a large tree in front of their property (which takes up some space). There is still room in front of his own house though, and I don’t see why the tree entitles him to put his trash in front of my place. We have in the past been ticketed for recycling issues that were not our fault (when presumably some person walking by put a newspaper and empty coffee cup in one of our bins). I have always been vigilant to keep my recycling well sorted and in SEALED bags, and have kept lids on our trash bins. The neighbor is more careless and often piles improperly sorted recyclables in front of my house too. What is the most diplomatic way to express to this neighbor that his trash belongs in front of HIS OWN brownstone? Is this a common problem in brownstone Brooklyn?
According to NYC Sanitation website under the heading “Improper Disposal”:
A person may not use another person’s receptacles without permission, or place his/her refuse in front of a premises other than the building in which he/she resides or works.
Illegal dumping? It’s a trash can, not asbestos, right?
I say we all meet on the corner with pitchforks and torches and take the neighbor out.
Not clear from your post whether you’ve ever discussed this with your neighbor. Ask yourself how you learned the ropes. You’d think the concept of property lines would be self-evident, but it might not be apparent to your neighbors when it comes to trash collection, especially if they’ve been doing it for years and you’ve been silent. First step, as many have said, is a neighborly discussion. Second step, if necessary, a notarized letter reiterating your concerns and requesting compliance. Third step, a letter that raises whether the placement of their trash constitutes illegal dumping and your intent to discuss it with DSNY pending a written reply from your neighbors. DSNY rules digest available at: http://bit.ly/atTUl5
Sally rules
*rob* – What I really wanted to suggest, but was afraid to, is for the OP to have a
“Garbage Tantrum” in broad daylight. In other words, don`t just drag the bags back over to the neighbor`s house, but rip them open and STREW it all over his sidewalk, yard, and stoop. If there are any potato peelings, use them to spell out the words” F*** You” (facing the stoop, not the sanitation workers).
Guvna, first good guffaw of the morning. Thank you!
Try these, in this order, as needed:
(1) Reasonable chat. I suspect this wont work as well as some might expect, simply because he must know that it is a major disrespect to continuosly put his garbage in front of your house. But try to talk to him anyway.
(2) If #1 doesnt work, simply place his trash back in front of his house. everytime.
(3) If neither #1 nor 2 work, and he keeps putting his trash outside your house, put your trash AND his trash in front of his house. everytime.
(4) If none of the above work, put feces on his stoop. everytime. lol.
Yes sally, I’ve never seen any trash in our neighborhood not picked up because of parked cars.
If I got a ticket for someone else’s trash I’d be at their front door in a flash.
quote:
pervasive eyesore/liability border/territory issue
LOL. it’s just a garbage can!
*rob*