My Neighbor Keeps Putting Garbage In My Can! What Can I Do?

Everyone wants to feel like part of a community. But that requires everyone to work together and respect each other’s property. So, what do you do when a neighbor keeps putting trash in your bin? Is it legal? And if not, what can you do about it? Find out now.

Your neighbors can’t use your trashcan without your permission. That’s because you pay the city for trash pickup. So, the town considers any unauthorized use “theft of services.” As a result, you can prosecute people who throw rubbish in your bin as a result. And law enforcement can get involved, especially if a neighbor tossed incriminating evidence on your property.

Don’t let your next-door neighbors put their trash in your bin. They could overflow the can, causing your trash to get left behind after pickup. Moreover, you could be held responsible for any illegal items in the garbage on your property. And since you don’t always know what your neighbors throw away, it’s best to keep your rubbish separated.

You can let people put their trash in your bin. But neighbors must ask permission to throw away items in your dumpster. And it’s a good idea to put that permission in writing. If something terrible happens, you don’t want to be responsible for their negligence.

Cities give a name to using someone else’s trash can without permission. They call it “fly-tipping,” and it’s against the law in most states. Some municipalities even send police officers to address the situation, while others don’t. Usually, the consequences depend on several factors, including how your neighbor feels about the dump.

Using someone else’s trash receptacle may seem like an innocent act, but you’re actually stealing their services. And too much trash in their bin can attract pests or cause a mess. Plus, you could get accused of theft or vandalism if you cause damage to their property. So, it’s wise to use your own bins or look for public trashcans to throw away rubbish.

NOTE: You can’t put junk in someone else’s bin, even if you pick up trash on the street like a good samaritan.

Don’t expect people to be happy if they catch you putting dog poop in their rolling bins. That’s because feces stink. Plus, pet poop can attract flies, rodents, and other pests. Like trash, it’s illegal to throw pet poop into someone else’s receptacle. However, it’s also illegal to leave fecal matter on streets or sidewalks. So, look for public waste containers instead.

Meanwhile, some cities allow passers-by to toss pet poo into their neighbor’s trash cans if they seal the waste correctly. So, check your local laws for more information about what’s allowed in dumpsters. Or talk to your next-door neighbors to find out how they feel about sharing their services.

You don’t have to allow people to fill up your trashcan. On your property, you’re allowed to use dumpsters any way you see fit. So, you can confront a person or file a complaint if you’re unhappy with their behavior. And you can also sue them if they cause damages, attract pests, or cost you money for cleanup, disposal, or litigation. The point is to remain civil and exercise your rights.

When discussing the issue doesn’t solve it, here’s what else you can do to keep people from using your bin:

In most states, your trash bin is considered private property. That’s because you pay for the services and either rent or buy the dumpster. So, other people can’t remove it from your yard unless you give them permission. And if they do, they could face fines or penalties from the city. However, you must hold them accountable, or else nothing will happen.

First, report the theft to the police using the non-emergency line. Then, wait for cops to examine the evidence and provide further instructions. Your rights and responsibilities can vary from one location to another. So, don’t take matters into your own hands. Afterward, you can contact your waste removal service provider to request a new bin.

Related Questions

Who Is Responsible for Litter?

Landowners are responsible for the litter on their property. So, even if someone else throws trash in your yard, you still have to remove it. And if the waste causes a nuisance in the community or an environmental health issue, you could face fines or penalties. So, pick up litter in your yard and contact the appropriate authorities if your property gets vandalized.

Can You Be Fined for Littering on Private Property?

You can face serious fines if you get caught littering on private property. That’s because littering makes cities look terrible. Plus, trash can attract pests that the town must pay to remove. And it’s horrible if you drop litter into publicly accessible water sources such as rivers, lakes, or streams. Rubbish can contaminate the ground and water supply, causing illness, injury, or death. So, most cities charge steep fines for littering.

Is It Illegal to Use Someone’s Bin?

In most cities, it’s illegal to use a neighbor’s garbage bin to throw away your trash. You must find public receptacles instead. Some towns consider unauthorized use of dumpsters theft of services. So, you can face fines or penalties if you put rubbish in them without permission.

Do You Call the Cops on Someone Littering?

Don’t immediately call the police when you catch someone littering on private or public property. There are other ways to solve the problem than involving the cops. First, confront the person and ask that they stop littering. Then, put up signs to warn people about the consequences. After that, you can request help from law enforcement. Or you can take a neighbor to court to get them to quit.

How Do I Get a Bigger Trash Bin?

You can request a bigger dumpster from your local waste management company. But try to approach the company that’s already responsible for trash pickup in your area. That way, you don’t have to pay extra money for a bin. And you can count on workers removing the trashcan from your property weekly.