Trash/ Dumpster Overflowing

Hey all,

Our properties have trash and dumpster overflow issues. They receive trash pick-up twice per week, and seem to have plenty of dumpsters onsite. Our average trash dump is 6yd.

The main issues are:
1). Some residents just throw their trash bags/items at the dumpster, missing the actual dumpster so we have items on and around the dumpster rather than inside of it.
2). Outside individuals drive in and sometimes dump their trash into the dumpsters, making them overflow.

Does anybody have any ideas as to how we can prevent this from happening?

Thanks!

We have daily valet and property is still covered in trash on a daily basis. I wish someone would give me some pointers too bc I don’t get it.

1. Notify your tenants all trash must be placed in a trash bag and must be disposed of in trash dumpster.

2. Contact trash service company and get a locking bar for your trash dumpster. Weld a chain onto dumpster and install a combination lock (weld lock to chain) so only people with code may access - give code to your tenants (get code from trash service company).

3. Get a camera to monitor the trash area and let tenants know they will be charged for cleaning and hauling regarding trash not disposed of in dumpster or any bulk items left in trash area.

Good luck!

We used to have that issue at a previous property I managed. The issue was addressed in the monthly newsletter stating that any garbage found outside the dumpster or on the grounds with the address of a resident on it, the resident would be fined $xxx per incident and a lease violation letter would be written for non-compliance of the lease. Residents and staff talked about other solutions during the monthly Community Watch meeting and "No Dumping-Violators prosecuted Signs" were placed on the fence around the dumpster for those who did not live on the property. After a few letters were written and followed up on, Residents started taking pride in their community and actually started getting involved by even helping Maintenance with his daily trash pickup of the common area so he wouldn't have to do it all by himself. It does take a little time to change poor habits, but good communication, respect and relationships go a long way in achieving any goal.

Most localities have illegal dumping fines and penalties with possible jail time. I would post signs about that with the fine by your dumpsters. I would also fine residents who's trash is not put in the dumpster. You may want to resort to an 8 yard dumpster or go to a 3 times per week pick up. If you really need it then you should do it.

Thank you all for your feedback. I appreciate the insights.

We've had to make sure the dumpsters have lids and at some sites they even have a bar across the top so that you can only open them up so far. This will prevent some dumping but not much, because they just leave it near the dumpster. We have been getting hit with overage charges $$$$$ massive amounts of money we are having to pay. I think the trash companies are gaining money due to COVID19 because we have exceeded our budgets at several sites since back in June already at 30-50% over budget. It's time for a trash study.

Most trash bags have mail of some type in them. Open the bag and bill the residents at fault. Start with $25 and go higher if needed. We do $25 per bag/box and $75 per large furniture item. The fee is not to make money but to save money by maintenance saving 2h a week on trash. You won't catch them all but it will greatly reduce it.

We also have a "move out" email that is triggered around 30 days from move out going over dumpster rules.

We use .3-.4 cubic yards of dumpster space per unit each week too

I manage a multi-family "low" income community and we also had these issues and sometimes still do. We installed security cameras a 5 years ago so when we see this we go back on the cameras. We give one warning, then it is a lease violation plus whatever fee the h haulers charge us to clean it up.
We also had "strangers" dumping as well. We pulled out the bags and looked for mail....we have always been able to ID them and we send them letters telling them that we have the trash and we have them on camera. If they do it again we are pressing charges. That always works.

The dumpsters are too high for most women to lift, especially for those with disabilities, so a lock will NOT work.  We'd only be able to leave our garbage outside of the receptacle.  They have video but it has not helped.  I never thought in my entire life that my fight would be about taking out the garbage.  It is hopeless.  

Why should a resident be charged for dumping their garbage in garbage bags? That makes no sense. The problem is people dumping furniture, and non residents pulling up with trucks and filling the dumpsters.

Hi everybody. I know sort of late, but I ran across this and thought I’d share my input. I run a junk removal service is Northeast Ohio. I’m also a landlord unfortunately. Lol. There are a few reasons we see apartments dealing with dumpster overflow issues. 

1. Tenants aren’t following the rules. 
   Obviously if tenants are putting things out there when they aren’t supposed to, you need to address your tenants. Send every resident a letter notifying them of the policy, and maybe even introduce violation fees.
2. Neighboring Residents are using your dumpster. 
   To limit this, make sure that you have a lock on your dumpster, and put a sign out that tells people they could be fined or arrested. (Check with local PD first)
3. Your trash company isn’t picking up the dumpster on time. 
   This is actually quite common. If this is the case, consider finding a new company.
4. There are too many residents, too little garbage collection days. 
   Garbage collection isn’t cheap. It’s understandable that landlords don’t want to pay extra to have more pickups, but this might be an option. 
   

There are a couple other options that can help resolve this. First, you can hire a junk removal company  to clean up the dumpster overflow. Make sure that they offer dumpster overflow cleanup when you call. Some services don’t offer it.

Another good option would be to install security cameras that cover the dumpster area. This should help you find the root of the problem.


Hope this helps.

Josh


 

I have a three family building, I have this one tenant that sends her kids to dump trash, is always overflowing and aroundvthe barril, i've been talking to them for 8 months, bags always leaking on the stairs, making it unsafe, leaving trails on the patio with left over foods and liquids, I'm a new landlord, I don't know how to handle this situation, please help. They lease will be due in 4 months..thank you.

Its a stink problem and trashy looking. Draws bugs, rats, and stray animals tear the bags. I dont pay 300 a month living in gov assisistant trash i pay 1100. Are you an adult or 10?