I agree! We battle this issue everyday on our streets. Our patio is located next to a curb where multiple bins from an apartment complex sit all week long. It's unsightly, smelly, and doesn't allow cars to park or streets to be swept. I think there is a rule about taking your bins off the street. You could contact the city.

You could reduce the number of cans on the street by 66% by simply going back to a single "garbage" can per residence.

I find these garbage cans convenient for discarding my dog's poop bags...

@convenient: I find it selfish and rude to leave dog droppings in someone else's can. Stop it now! Use your own property instead of trespassing

Yes, there should be an ordinance for bringing in garbage cans, but it wouldn't be enforced, just as off-leash dogs are unenforced.

It got worse after waste management requierd all garbage cans be left in the street for easy pickup for their drivers so they would not have to get out of the truck. Sunnyvale has the same blight. In the Old Days PASCO came down the driveway or alley to pick up your cans. If you left your cans on the sidewalk it was a nice jesture on you're part for your hardworking Sanitation Engineer. So that the next time your can was overloaded he would most likely look the other way

[Post removed.]

I tend to think that "convenient's" post above was talking about cans left out in the street on days other than pick up day. I think that any can left out more than 24 hours after pickup is fair game for anyone else to use for trash. They are the ones who are selfish and rude, leaving their cans on public streets and sidewalks instead of taking them back out of sight.

To anyone who does leave their can out for days at a time it is a selfish and rude behavior. Please stop it.

Why do garbage and recycling bins stay at the curb with crows picking at the garbage all the time. There should be a fine for leaving them at the curb!

I like all the cans left out all week. Several of my neighbors leave them out all week long, never putting them away.

There is always a can nearby that a neighbor has left out on the public streets. I put my trash in them, and put my dogs poop bags in them during walks. They are very convenient for me.

Thanks to my neighbors laziness, I can use a smaller trash can and save money on my trash bill. Thanks !

My condo HOA has in it's CC&Rs that one must bring one's containers back into one's garage within 24 hours after collection day. The HOA is lax about enforcement. Many of our neighbors have begun leaving their containers right by their front doors, w/in view of the street -- and especially tiresome for their immediate neighbors, within both earshot and smelling distance of their homes. In other words, every time my neighbor disposes of something, I can hear the lid slam while I'm next door sitting on my couch. The first thing I see/smell when I walk out my front door is the neighbor's trash cans. Isn't that special?

Happy New Year!

p.s. In spite of the above, I do try to focus on the positive -- and more important things in life.

"I find it selfish and rude to leave dog droppings in someone else's can. Stop it now! Use your own property instead of trespassing"

An excellent point of view. However, the cans are city (public) property and when they sit on the curb they are on public property, so there is no trespass. Poop droppers should probably also leave a thank you note for these accidental public spirited citizens.

It would be interesting to hear someone who has an actual legal
clue rule on the legality of putting trash or dog poop into someone
else's container. Most legal opinions here seem to come from
a part of a person is normally being sat on while they are typing. ;-)

I think it is illegal trespass whether it is on public property or not.
It is like saying you can dump your trash into anyone's car if the
window is open. If someone is paying for their trash space it is
then also theft.

Since it is more likely that if you see someone dumping dog poop
into a trash can that it is not their own can, I'd like to take a quick
smartphone shot of it and see what the police say, and it would
be interesting to know if the garbage company has an official
stand on this.

I have heard that you may take things out of people's garbage
cans, but in these days of identity theft and privacy invasion it
would be nice if they would give that one a rethink too.

And another thing! ;-) ... sometimes people go on trips and take their
cans out early so they can get some garbage collection or leave them
out late ... how are you going to solve that one - dump all your trash
on their lawn of if you're luck and they leave a window open in there?
What mean-spirited people we seem to have on this topic.

We are in this problem today because of the City and the lazy trash
company who makes more money today yet does less and less each
year. They used to go to your can location and empty the trash, which
makes so much sense.

Not they force every residents to take out their trash whatever the
weather, and put them one the edges of the street where we have
parking and bike lanes. This was a bad idea in the beginning and
has only gotten worse ... and were is the greater amount of money
actually going? Our brilliant city actually pays more for less trash
and bought into the thinking that because the trash companies
do not have enough trash to keep them busy, we all must pay them
more.

Blame the city that people are hostile and sick of doing work they
pay for the City to do many times over.

Pretty soon we will be completely retrograde and will end up having
to drive our garbage to the dump ourselves.

Its not complicated or difficult.

Roll your can out the night before
Roll it in when you get home from work after its been picked up.

If you're going to be out of town, ask your neighbor or the a local kid looking for some work to move your cans out and back in for you while you're gone.
Whats' so hard about that?

Are you all kidding?? These are the worst problems in Palo Alto?! How about student mental health and stress? Aren't you concerned about the growing number of families who can't afford to live here, or anywhere in the Bay Area? What about the homeless and mentally ill population? Are you affected by the ever-increasing car traffic, and don't you think we need to do something about public transportation? Sheesh.
Used to be, here in Palo Alto, when people's dogs went poop, they just left it there. At least now it mostly gets picked up. So what if it goes in your trash can--you're not bathing in it, are you?

"It is like saying you can dump your trash into anyone's car if the
window is open."

I think there is a significant difference between somebody's private auto and a city-owned trash can. You may disagree as you wish, of course, but you are on your own if you get caught.

The point of my rant is the leaving out of the cans for days at a time, not so much whether or not people put dog poop in them.

When it comes to some of the bigger problems mentioned above, there is little the average resident can do. But when it comes to trash cans, we can each take on the responsibility of putting them out and taking them back in a timely manner. It is one thing that each of us can do to make our town better. If everybody was responsible in doing this there wouldn't be a problem. The same can't be said about the bigger, more difficult problems.

Maybe you could be a good neighbor and put their cans away for them! Hell of a concept. I wonder who is more selfish, the person who leaves the cans out or the one who is too troubled to do something nice for others.

Mr Rogers, I am a good neighbor to my immediate neighbors and they are to me.

I don't think anyone could go around town putting back all the cans left on the street and there is no reason to think strangers should do it anyway. Apart from the numbers of cans around and the time it would take to do such a thing, there is trespass to take into account and someone going onto someone's property returning cans to the side of the house could be classed as "staking out the property".

This is not a solution. People should put away their own cans or ask a neighbor to do so. For most people it takes less than 5 minutes.

I just went out front of our house to look up and down the block and I counted 21 cans (of various colors, condition, and sizes) left out on the street. Trash day for our neighborhood is Wednesday morning. It is now Saturday Morning.

A $3M average home cost and these folks leave trash out in front of their homes. Odd to see people with such extreme wealth yet no pride in the curb appeal of their home. Not to mention the complete lack of respect for their neighbors. Such a strange paradox. Probably not long before we start to see rusty cars and junkyard parts strewn about in front yards.

For Rogers: The answer to your question is: "the person who leaves the cans out" is more selfish.

Have some respect. Be considerate. Put your cans away.

From Web Link

How can I prevent people from placing items into my collection containers when it is located in a public area?

If you are experiencing problems with other people using your collection containers, they can be equipped with locks to eliminate the ability for anyone other than the key holder to use the collection containers.

From Web Link

Container Placement and Maintenance

Recycle, compost and landfill containers must remain clear of sidewalks (36 inch clearance) and on private property. Containers should not be placed in
the gutter, street or public right-of-way (e.g., alleys).

Standard service is at street level. Additional service fees apply to non-standard service.

Place containers by 4 AM on the day of collection in an area accessible to collection vehicles.

Maintain container placement and storage areas in good, clean, sanitary condition, and in a manner that prevents leaks, spills and odors.

Keep lids on containers closed at all times.
Landfill items, recyclables and compostables must be stored in City-approved containers.

Cleaning of recyclables, compostables or garbage carts or bins is available upon request for a fee.

To prevent misuse of containers, locks are available upon request for a fee. Please contact GreenWaste Customer Service for more information at (650) 493-4894.

I'd rather see bins in the gutter than cars parked there. The bins are smaller obstacles and you can see over them. Much safer.

@GoneOnTooLong, those aren't junkyard parts. It's "art".

Resident
"When it comes to some of the bigger problems mentioned above, there is little the average resident can do. But when it comes to trash cans, we can each take on the responsibility of putting them out and taking them back in a timely manner. It is one thing that each of us can do to make our town better. If everybody was responsible in doing this there wouldn't be a problem. The same can't be said about the bigger, more difficult problems."
Who do you expect to take care of the bigger problems if not ourselves? There is much the average resident can do! Volunteer at and donate to a food closet or homeless shelter. Write to city, county, state officials and lobby for housing solutions. Let's look beyond our pettier concerns and think of ways to help people less fortunate than those of us who can afford to live in Palo Alto. At the very least, sponsor a block party this summer so you can get to know more than just your "immediate neighbors". It's the Palo Alto way! And maybe you'll find out why some people aren't putting their cans away. Could be they need a little help now & then.
Mike
"If you are experiencing problems with other people using your collection containers, they can be equipped with locks to eliminate the ability for anyone other than the key holder to use the collection containers."
This is so ludicrous it is beyond belief! I'm walking away from this discussion before I start to cry.

Its very odd that so many people choose to live in Palo Alto when they'd be far happier living in a gated community with a strict homeowners association...

We are surrounded by people who leave their garbage receptacles out all week. [Portion removed.] They just walk their garbage out to the cans. Perhaps they fear that they will forget to set them out the night before pickup?

[Portion removed.]

We are fortunate to live in area where this is not a problem. I have a suggestion if you're up for some not so subtle hint giving...

Take a late night walk in your neighborhood and tape a note on each can - kindly suggesting that it would make your neighborhood so much nicer if they put their cans away.

... and tape a note to each vehicle on the street suggesting the neighborhood would be so much nicer if they put their cars away.

"I think there is a significant difference between somebody's private auto and a city-owned trash can. "

But the homeowner pays for the city to remove a certain volume of trash each week. By putting your trash in others' cans, you are taking up that volume. Same as if you walked up to someone filling their gas tank and adding a bit to yours while they aren't looking.

Don't seem to have this problem in Mountain View. The rules state this:

1. Place carts in the street by 6 a.m. on collection day, with the cart facing the street (handles on the sidewalk side) for automated collection.

4. For all residences, remove carts no later than the next day. Store the carts inside the garage or behind a fence, hedge or area screened from street view as a courtesy to your neighbors. If these areas are unavailable, place the carts on the side of the garage or house.

Palo Alto should have the same rules, right? If people aren't following these rules, which I assume come from a city ordinance, report them.

Place carts curbside before 6 AM on your collection day.
Remove carts from the curb within 24 hours of collection service.
We suggest storing carts in your back or side yard.
Close all lids and please do not overfill containers.
Place front of cart facing the street with a minimum of 2 feet between carts.

There is another aspect, those of us on streets with rolled curbs have the problem that if our neighbors endlessly leave cans out on those type of curbs (or endlessly park cars in front of our houses) then when it really rains, the water flow down the street gutter gets blocked by the cans and car tires. It can be somewhat worrying when we have heavy rain. I guess cut curbs (the standard straight curb) on streets have less of this concern.
I think people should attempt to put cans away in a timely manner, we just don't have room for cans left out endlessly.

Maybe there are worst problems than seeing garbage cans. For example, where I live parking outside is so prevalent and crowded that most times there is no space to put garbage cans other than in front of the driveway impeding access for several neighbors and over 12 cans ( we are in a single house family area (not a condo) with a shared driveway. The city asks us to put garbage cans on the street-we can't, the cars are there. The sidewalk is high an full of trees and roots-we can't the cans fall. So, I put garbage cans on the street by the sidewalk when I see a vacant space and leave them there otherwise I wouldn't be able to have my garbage collected.

Get off your high horses please. Who knows why people leave their cans on the street! There can be many reasons, so please stop wanting to organize the world as you see it so that not give the impression of being a hollier-than-thou
nosy parker.

My street looks like a slum with garbage cans permanently stored in front of houses, in front yards. I am embarrassed to have out of town visitors to my house to see the reality of Palo Alto vs the image, fast fading as it is. It's simple- the City Council needs to pass an ordinance like other cities have to eliminate this practice by residents who have no respect for their neighbors,the children and others who pass by this ugliness every day, or public safety if cans are left in the street. Where is our City Council? With all the problems we have in Palo Alto
degrading our quality of life this is something that can be addressed.

It's just common respect for others to bring in the cans, just as it's respectful to keep the outside landscaping nice. Too bad people have gotten so selfish.

I still remember Palo Alto in the late 20th century, when residential garbage was routinely picked up from side yards.
This level of service would actually be easier today, as many in residences have since reduced to 1 minican per week.
Let's not compromise the quality of life for thousands of residents just for the sake of displacing a few workers.
Let's demand better service.

A typical Palo Alto problem. Some neighbor's leave them out for days because the house cleaners are not available to bring them in immediately. I left my green and blue cans out for several months because people rudely park blocking part of my driveway. If other neighbor's leave waste cans out because they are too lazy to move them, then I have no problem leaving them out to deny someone a parking space. those bins are also great for blocking the driveway whenever Stanford has football games when people feel the need to use driveways to make u-turns, throw their bottles and garbage into residents yards, etc.

Pass an ordinance. It can be right up there with no gas leaf blowers, construction noise hours, cell phones/distracted driving, cyclists obeying traffic signs, obeying basic traffic laws for that matter. why am I awakened at 4:00am by low flying airplanes?

"By putting your trash in others' cans, you are taking up that volume [of trash they would otherwise use]."

True. And if people put trash in my can while stored on the curb, I'd put that can out of reach in my backyard. That is in fact what I do anyway, which is the point of this discussion.


"Same as if you walked up to someone filling their gas tank and adding a bit to yours while they aren't looking."

I don't know how/if that might be physically possible.

Apparently, some complainers are blind to the fact that not all Palo Altans have space in the street adjacent to their houses where cans can go and come easily. City Council won't be able to pass an ordinance simply because the reality is that I and my neighbors have to "mark" and "reserve space", that is leave cans outside otherwise parked cars would prevent us from having our garbage collected. Not everybody has even a "sideyard". I and my neighbors don't, for example so we can't hide the cans even if we wanted too. More suburban Palo Altans may not have this problem but the city consistes of different neighborhoods with different characteristics. I also take exception to be called lazy and inconsiderate. I'm neither. But people who refuse to see reality sometimes call names to other because they simply lack knowledge and understanding.
Also, please don't leave your dogs poop in my can. Because you don't have to clean it, delivering others the responsibility for your action surely it's wrong.

@ndn
An ordinance can allow exceptions, approved by a city inspector, where there is no sideyard,no backyard,no street space on the night before garbage collection. By the way,none of these conditions exist in my neighborhood which is littered with garbage cans.

[Post removed.]

I come from a small city in South India, which currently has an issue with garbage disposal. (Google search for "thiruvananthapuram waste disposal" for images) There is no garbage disposal system in place - both the city corporation & the state government have been placing blame on each other for several years now. As a result, people either throw garbage on the street (yes, this includes diapers, sanitary napkins etc) or set fire to it (not to mention the smell of burning plastic!) So whenever my mother comes to visit me, she is very excited about not having to worry about how to dispose garbage.

It is nice to have money. Money brings us comfort, also some level of security. However, it is also important not to lose touch with reality. The bay area is a cocoon, what happens here has absolutely no relation with how the rest of the world is. Hence it is very easy to lose perspective on what is important, what's not. Growing up right next to a slum, I had no idea 30 years later, I would be sitting comfortably inside a 3M $ home, typing this. The reverse is also equally possible. As much as we want our kids to be successful, not all kids who grow up in Palo Alto will be able to afford to live here. Do we really want to bring up a generation who is self-entitled, and freak out when things go slightly out of the way ? Is this how we want to set ourselves up as role models for our children? Or do we want to instill in them gratitude & forgiveness (the neighbor who forgot to bring in his/her garbage can may have an ailing spouse or child, we never know!), and enough inner strength to face whatever challenges life puts before them ? After all, our kids pick up from us.

Happy New Year!!

Are people really upset that someone walking their dog tosses a bag of dog poop into a can on the street or sidewalk?

We are not talking about someone walking into your side/backyard looking for a can. We are not talking about someone knocking on your door asking to dispose of their dog's poop.

Would you rather that not pick up their dog's poops? Do you think their dog's poop in a bag is going to take up a lot of space in your garbage can?

/marc

What a spirited discussion on garbage bin and dog poop disposal etiquette. Not sure why this is such a soul stirring topic. I admit that if my bin is not 100% full the night before collection, I get upset when neighbors dump their trash into my half empty bin. I also take an extra bag along when I walk my dog and pick up litter. I consider myself a trash-activist. It's easy to take the moral high ground on the side of cleanliness. "Clenliness is next to Godliness" I was instructed. So let's all keep our Bay Area cocoon clean.

Marc,
no, dog poop doesn't take a lot of space but if something heavier is put on the top of the poop and the poop's bag bursts and soils the garbage can you are imposing on other people to clean the disgusting mess you left behind. Even if some of us clean our cans infrequently the smell of poop will force the can "owner" to have to wash poop. How is that possibly fair, ethical and grounded on solid neighborly concerns and actions. My 82 year old neighbor had to pay someone to clean her can....

So, yes I'll lock mine in the future lest you should pass by with your puppy (your responsibility, right).
Take your poop home and put it in your garbage can...

People who use the area for parking or conducting business do not seem to care about the condition, so I don't care about maintaining any "curb appeal". It seems like frivolous complaining.

I simply can't believe some of the comments here about something that takes less than 5 minutes, something that takes less time than taking in groceries and putting them away, something that can be done by a kindergarten aged child as a chore in return for allowance either for their own family or to help a neighbor. This is not India or the third world, but a residential area with over $2M+ homes. This is an area where we respect education, hygiene, community spirit, manners and being good neighbors. This is an area where teaching children to be part of the community in spirit by example and ideals is valued.

As for disposing of dog poop, isn't that really a different discussion?

And as for using cans to keep a parking space, that is really not going to gain much sympathy as street parking is available for all who have permits or a need to park provided it is done legally. And how do you manage to get the road swept if your cans are permanently left in the street?

Since we do have children who learn from example, then we should be teaching them to have pride in their community, to be good neighbors, either by helping neighbors or need help or to not do anything that might upset our own neighbors. As we live in a community where homes are relatively close, we should be respectful of others by not making noise late at night, keeping our houses with an appearance of being reasonably tidy, and by doing nothing that might be considered blight.

To sum this up, if we are unable to do something that takes up so little time or to arrange to get this done if necessary, then how can we even begin to see how we can help in the larger issues of life? If we can't be bothered to see this issue from how it looks to our neighbors, then we are definitely living in a shallow alto bubble?

And yes, as one poster mentioned, I think it is about time to put notes on cans asking respectfully that they be moved out the public streets and sidewalks for 5 days each week.

Thank you.

Doesn't matter if you don't have a side yard or that your neighborhood has plenty of cars parking on the streets - get your bins off the street when emptied. Run them up in front of your garage or put them to one side. Public streets are not for private garbage/recycling/compost bin storage.

I had the same problem back when I lived in SF. Parking spots always full. But the bins were put away - either in the garage or up against the garage door.

Marc, putting a bag of dog poop in someone else's can is rude and lazy. Take it home and put in in your own garbage. Had someone do that (it was a dog walker)' and when i opened my can, the smell was overwhelming. Very rude.

As soon as I don't hear a gas leaf blower every day or see someone driving and texting or running stop signs or failing to signal, I will maybe contemplate the seriousness of leaving a waste can in front of my house. Maybe when neighbor's stop leaving cars for weeks or months at a time,

It used to be a case of treat others the way you would like them to treat you.

Now it seems that if you consider others to be selfish and guilty of unneighborly behavior it is quite OK for you to do the same.

What a great message to teach your kids!

[Post removed.]

" putting a bag of dog poop in someone else's can is rude and lazy."

Quite the contrary. You are accepting the gracious hospitality of civic minded neighbors who left their public trash cans on public property. They do not want you to have to walk around the nabe carrying a bag of poop. You are welcome to use my black container that way anytime you come across it.

I miss the good old days

Back when everyone had two metal cans stored in the back yard.
In those times the garbage collectors started at 4-5:00 in the morning.
BAM went your gate as the big burly man carried his big can into your yard.
SLAM! BANG went your cans into his big can and off he went slamming your gate.
When he got to the big open truck he then emptied his big can - not quietly.
And off he went to the next house running all the way to repeat the process

They took great pride in waking up everybody and their dog up earlier then prefer but they all were in excellent physical condition..

Later on they discovered trash compacting at which time not only did the gates slam and the trash cans bang but they then made sure everyone was awake by turning on the trash compactor.

You young whippersnappers don't know what you missed!

I never realized that the Weekly was a humor magazine!

Here's a little bit of search results from the City of Palo Alto Municipal Code:

5.20.130 Maintenance and placement of bins, boxes, and containers.

(a) The commercial/industrial business owner or residential householder, as the case may be, shall maintain the bins, boxes, and containers on their premises, and the area in which they are located, in a good, usable, clean and sanitary condition, and shall ensure that the lid or cover on the bin, box, or container is kept fully closed, and that no solid waste or recyclable materials are placed outside of the bin, box, or container. Bins, boxes, and containers shall at all times be kept in a manner that prevents leakage, spillage and the escape of odors.

(b) The location or placement of bins, boxes, or containers at any place or premises shall be subject to the approval of the director. Every commercial/industrial business owner shall provide a location on the commercial/industrial premises for the bins, boxes, and/or containers they use, and shall keep the area in good repair.

From the definition section of the code (5.20.010),
(13) "Container" means any standard container, mini-can container, or cart.
(3) "Cart" means a wheeled container larger than a standard container and smaller than a bin, equipped with a lid, and designed for mechanical pick-up by collection vehicles.

So therefore the “containers” mentioned in 5.20.130 obviously includes the residential garbage/recycling/composting cans issued by Palo Alto Greenwaste.

Again from the definitions:
(14) "Director" means the director of public works for the city of Palo Alto or the director's designee.

So the part about “subject to the approval of the director” in 5.20.130(b) means that it is up to the Director of Public Works as to where anybody can put their garbage/recycling/composting cans.

The City of Palo Alto website says :

“Place carts curbside before 6 AM on your collection day.
Remove carts from the curb within 24 hours of collection service. We suggest storing carts in your back or side yard.”

Web Link

It is not clear if this statement has the authority of the Director of Public Works and is therefore legally binding.

[Post removed.]

On Dec. 31, I confronted a dog walker who had just put his bag of dog poop in my neighbor's garbage can which was beside the house (not on the street). I am sure he picked up the dog poop because he saw me come out of the house as his dog was in the act. I made him go back and take his doggie bag out of my neighbor's garbage can, and told him to put it in his own garbage can! And he hadn't even tied the bag. Last I saw him, he was walking away holding the doggie bag at arm's length with it still untied. I am sure he found another garbage can (not his own) after he got out of my sight. Properly disposing of your dog's poop is one of the responsibilities of being a dog owner -- use your own garbage can!

Gee,I sure miss the good old days of PASCO SAM. REAL people did REAL things in those days. Did you know that PASCO actually supported the last Offenhauser Sprint Car? Mr. Melvin had the car painted in PASCO colors and brought it up to Calistoga with PASCO transport vehicles. Now everyone in Palo Alto is making an overblown issue of how people are handling the Waste Management issue. Fine. How about having a City Inspector follow the truck(s) and tag each receptacle with a 24 hour warning " courtesy " note. After 24 hours, retrace the route and start handing out fines. I'll bet people will start taking their civic duties more seriously. This will give some people actual work to do and force them ut of their chairs to face REALITY.
I have Waste Management too. Our waste receptacles have to be put away because wildlife view garbage as a buffet is to a hungry man. You would not believe what a hungry bear will do to a car if something tasty is inside of- it...

Resident says: "
And as for using cans to keep a parking space, that is really not going to gain much sympathy as street parking is available for all who have permits or a need to park provided it is done legally. And how do you manage to get the road swept if your cans are permanently left in the street?"

Street parking is indeed available for those with permits but sadly as it's not difficult to understand that permits do not increase the number of parking spaces, so in some areas (mine for example) car saturation is 100%. There simply isn't any space left for garbage cans, so as I explained above if I see a parking space open I rush to put my cans there otherwise come trash day I can't put my cans for collection. Additionally, there is no way to put garbage cans in our extremely small backyards because they don't fit through the openings and no chance to keep cans in a garage 17 feet wide for two small cars (and length of a small car length car length).

If you go about leaving little notes implying that one is less than neighborly please leave in contact information. I would be happy to show you not only that you are wrong but also that your thoughts are not reality based.
Unless someone is suggesting that those of us who have a different housing set up do not deserve to have their garbage collected and in addition should be castigated with dog poop, i see that your arguments have no validity.

"True. And if people put trash in my can while stored on the curb, I'd put that can out of reach in my backyard. That is in fact what I do anyway, which is the point of this discussion."

There it is, the PA stands for passive aggressive...my poor behavior is justified by the poor behavior of others...

Crazy idea - talk your neighbors. That might actually get the issue addressed rather than doing the PA thing and posting on the town message board

In SF, it was not unusual to see trash bins and recycling boxes knocked over or pushed out in front of driveways if let out too long. Urban-prarie justice.

ndn, I had someone leave a 2 page note on my porch chastising me, because someone else told him that the area was not stanfords free overflow parking lot. I found it quite humorous that the person took the time to compose such an elaborate note comparing the situation to the Fountainhead and how I should bow down to his genius, even though he placed the note on the wrong porch.

I try not to talk to the neighbor's any,ore since most of them do seem a tad insane and I would prefer to just not have involvement with them.

[Post removed.]

In my former (hilly) 'hood in SF, empty garbage cans were not infrequently used for joyrides down the hill. To avoid this, we were pretty careful about retrieving our cans on pick-up days.

@Shalini
I read your post. You turn everything inside
out and upside down.

5.20.030 Discarding of solid waste and recyclable materials.

...... This section shall not prohibit the placement of solid waste or recyclable materials in public solid waste or recycling receptacles, or in containers, bins or boxes for collection in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

5.20.090
(b) Recyclable materials placed for curbside residential recycling collection shall become the property of the collector at the time of placement at the curb or other designated location for collection. The collector shall have the exclusive right to collect such recyclable materials.

If it's curbside it's city property, it becomes public. If common sense were to prevail, no one cares if you place a cup, bag, or some dog poop in a curbside garbage container. It's better than on their lawn. Illegal dumping of prohibited items or very large quantities would be the problem.

@The_punnisher

PASCO had a sprint car...? Thats Baad A**. Tnat was before my time but back 15 -25years ago before Teenagers around here were overloaded to death by school work. The used to ram unsuspecting garbage cans left out for days on end, with their parents old Volvo station wagons. Remember the Lucky's shopping carts that used to end up in the baylands mud at the Embarcadero? Man I miss the good ole days...

Before the the city sold out to developers and contractors. We used to go to the dump to weigh our race cars on the scale free of charge. My dad told me storys of his youth of how him and his friends used to hike down to the dump with shouldered 22 rifles to shoot rats at the dump and get paid for each dead rat they brought back to the scale house.

"If it's curbside it's city property, it becomes public. If common sense were to prevail, no one cares if you place a cup, bag, or some dog poop in a curbside garbage container."

So all those cars parked on the curb are city property? Good to know. Common sense is put your trash in your own bins and put them away.

Also, you can request locks for your bins. Then you can leave you bins out without fear!

Dog crap should NOT be put into the compost or recycle bin. That is NASTY and unhygenic. We have a sewer system for human waste FOR A REASON! Dog crap is not any cleaner that human crap. Human, dog, cat etc waste contains bacteria and viruses.
[Portion removed.]

I believe that it is correct to say that the cans do not belong to the homeowner but to the utilities (Greenwaste). We did not pay for them and if we move we are expected to leave them behind for the new owners of the home.

A few years ago, when we were using the crates supplied by PASCO, I heard of an argument between neighbors over the rightful owner of the crates. One neighbor always hosed the crates down and kept them scrupulously clean. The other neighbor left them messy, quite often with beer sloshing out of cans in the recycling. This neighbor would then happily take the cleanest crates and return them to her yard. This of course upset the neighbor who kept hers clean. PASCO was, I believe, got involved in the argument and their position was that all crates belong to them and could be claimed by anyone who was a householder and as long as everyone had the right number of crates, it was of no matter to them. The houseproud neighbor then painted the house number on her crates. This did not make any difference apparently as they did not belong to her.

In other words, the cans are lent to us to use but they still belong to the utilities.

sometimes, I get home too late the night before to take out my garbage and I am not home two nights before garbage morning. sometimes, I'm away and like to throw off the senses of the dogs or burglars watching my house for an opportunity based on my routine... or would my neighbors like to be awaken by my garbage bins at 2AM or 4AM? sometimes life happens.

Still some refuse to understand
.
When I take my bins away after the garbage trucks come I need to put them back on the curb within 2 or 3 days of the garbage trucks coming again otherwise I can't put my bins for collection since there are parked cars 100% of the time (it has been quantified) and NO OTHER SPACE even Sundays TO PUT THE BINS FOR COLLECTION if I don't do that ( in capital letters I don't have any other way of emphasizing. . I don't live in a slum (actually my house is not at all inexpensive for Palo Alto ) and I do not have a SIDE to my garage -it's my neighbor's tiny yard (the other one is inside the house).

Why on earth some persist in calling names to people whose limitations are imposed because they live in an old area with limited facilities for garbage? It's really offensive but it also says that instead of looking at reality you prefer to reason with whatever lack of information you have because in fact what this discussion boils down to is the need to criticize, point fingers and feel that you are so wonderful because of what ? You put your garbage cans away? they are neither offensive, not unhygienic and for some of not even unaesthetic . A better solution would be as many cities do (some more expensive than Palo Alto) is to skip garbage cans and just use bags- once they are taken away by the city nobody sees trash cans at all.

ndn

You may well be living in a place that has so much street parking that there is no space for your cans. Have you discussed this with Greenwaste? However, the majority of people here discussing this are living in neighborhoods where this is not an issue and still some people seem to refuse to be good neighbors and take in their cans in a timely manner.

As an aside, since you have no space for cans to be left out, does your street ever get swept? This is not a frivolous question, but is something that needs to be addressed also.

Some time ago the trash collectors would collect the cans from closer to the house or the side of the house, but the new collection team wants them at the street. It can be difficult for some to put the cans out the night before and pull them in after th collection. Not all of your neighbors are outgoing and fit. If it bothers you, offer to help the neighbor in question by taking their cans to the street the night before and returning them to a less visible place after the collection.
Now, while we are at it--when you parallel park along the street, especially in Barron Park, park your car so that it is entirely off the road and inside the white line. Don't leave it blocking traffic.

Responding to a question: Yes, the street gets swept and because all the surrounding streets are swept at different times there is the "musical chairs" dance for that one hour in which tickets for parking are given. After the hour is up, cars return immediately. Several surveys show we are 100% saturated and most of the time is even difficult to get out of the driveway-we can't see because of cars that come up to the entrance, sometimes on it. Parking permits have no effect on the number of parking spaces on the street and that is the problem. Until the city requires new businesses to have an adequate number of parking spaces I'm afraid my area gets the brunt of everyone else's convenience. Greenwaste is of no help, as long as the collection of trash can proceed and we find ingenious ways of delivering our cans to the street, such as putting the garbage cans well before the due date on some parking place that becomes available for a few minutes.

I lived in other areas of Palo Alto before and the present system was not a problem. If you don't like what your neighbor does with his assigned trash cans (its a minor thing really, a pet peeve) talk to them. Maybe they will want to be accommodating to your concerns, but having an ordinance for everything we don't like only leads to unneighborly feelings of passive/aggressive behavior, in my experience. Talk to your neighbors, to your neighborhood associations and you will see if the non-vocal majority is also concerned about the trash cans. If they are, the problem will disappear. If they aren't you will have to get used to it.

First World Problem. Get a perspective and get over yourself.

"First World Problem" = the most overused comeback on this board. Let's state the obvious. Palo Alto is a very first world place and residents pay first world prices to live there. It seems only fair for them to expect first world standards in their neighborhoods. Roll up the carts! Have some first world pride in your little corner of the first world.

[Post removed.]

Wouldn't the dog poop go into the compost bin? I understand it is smelly, but really, we live in a very well trafficked area on Maybell, and I do not mind other people putting their trash into my half filled can as it is THERE to put trash into, and off of the ground where my kids may play or my family may walk.

I have had my children see high school students or various others place trash in our bins before I had a chance to wheel them in after work, and have had angry comments about it. My kids learn how to see the world from the adults around them, and I want them learning compassion and a sense of collective duty rather than isolation and brittle behaviors.

It is what I choose to teach them, to never walk away or ignore when someone is being bullied or is in pain, and that we are ALL a human family and indeed are in this TOGETHER.

What would you want to teach to the next generation?

[Post removed.]

Another problem, with all this rain we are having, they are causing pooling in the curbs.

Can we do something about the people who trespass on your property to dig through your garabage cans? There is a certain group of people who actually do live in Palo Alto that rummage through the garbage cans on the street and will even sneak up your driveway if the cans are on your property, sometimes at 5am. They run away as soon as you approach them. And are certainly gone before the police can get there. I wish their families members could teach them some respect.

HMR a resident of Ventura, about two months ago I took my
collection of bottles and cans to the recycle center in Sunnyvale
off Mathilda for the first time.

I noticed one time while dumping some trash and recyclables
that people were being paid for their CRV recyclable containers
so I thought I would try it to see how much I would get, since
otherwise they fill up my blue container and I have to drag it
out to the curb once or twice a month.

Well, for my about 1/3 of a van-full of containers I got about
$50 ... kind of amazing. It takes a while to drive down there,
but I get to do it when I want or can and when the whether is
nice, or when I have something in that area to do. I'd say it
was about 4 garbage bags full of containers ... $10 a piece
estimated.

I get money for it, and I don't have to carry my cans back and
forth myself. I just don't like having them hanging around for
long enough to collect enough to make a trip worthwhile,
but them again it means I have less to carry to the curb
myself.

Point being that if homeless people or desperate people can
make some money to survive, does that make any difference
to you, considering you are not trading on the value of your
recyclables? I can understand still not wanting people
trespassing or rummaging through your yard, but do you
understand why they might be doing it?

This idea that it is OK or legal to drop your dog poop in someone
else's trash is nonsense, most likely promulgated by lazy, arrogant
and obnoxious dog owners who want to have a dog but don't want
to accept the responsibility that comes with it - so they try to turn
the tables and justify it whenever they see someone's trash can
on the street.

First, it is inconsiderate and disgusting. When you put your dog
poop into someone's trash, every time they go out to put their garbage
in the can they get a whiff of your rotting dog poop. It stinks
and it is unsanitary and even toxic waste.

Second, they act like any part of the public is their personal
doggy dumping ground ... why not just leave it on the ground
then if that is as civil as you can be. Like I said, no one would
think it is legal to dump dog poop in someone's open cars window
yet some how these pretend Perry Masons want to rule on this
phony idea that a garbage can is everyone's public dumping
ground. This is not true. It is stealing in the same way it would
be if you filled someone else's garbage can that they are paying
for up with your trash. The people that lack thinking skills and
make comments like this are part of the problem in our city.
They don't seem to understand how to think except as it
can be twisted to serve their own selfishness or greed or get
a laugh at someone else's expense.

@ Plane Speaker

I understand the whole concept of taking recycled items to the recycle center to trade for cash. And I have absolutely no problem in helping the homeless and lower income. What I don't understand is that these people I am referring to actually live in our neighborhood, in decent homes. As a result of living in an expensive house I am not saying they shouldn't be rummaging in the garbage cans, maybe they still do need the money or maybe it is a hobby. Regardless, I personally don't want people to trespass onto my property. The cans are not on the edge of my property, they have to come right up the driveway and a little down the side of the house. I have tried to speak them, they claim they don't speak English, still come down the side of the house to the cans and then run away when I appear. They know they are doing something they shouldn't.

Why should trespassing on someone's else's property be alright regardless of how poor or rich anyone is? What if I decided I liked your front lawn and decided to sunbath on it each afternoon? Is that alright?

No need for a trip to Sunnyvale. I cash in my CRV recyclables on the corner of Park Blvd and Cambridge, across from Mollie Stone. Hours of operation are somewhat limited though.

Hey HMR, just trying to be helpful. Sounds like you have a very rare
problem with your neighbors. Have you tried talking with the police
about the trespass issue? Do you have any proof you can show them?
I think that would solve it. You can go to Fry's and buy a camera to
put in your window that will record whole weeks of time and then review
it when you see something that is amiss.

>> What if I decided I liked your front lawn and decided to sunbath on it each afternoon? Is that alright?

Well, for a nominal fee I think we can work something out. ;-)

I get your point, just trying to suggest a strategy, but I guess I did not
understand this odd situation or thought you were dealing with rational
people.

I'm a single female. I used to bring my bins in back like a good soldier but I started leaving my bin at curbside every day when my neighbor's sexual harassment of me intensified. Grabbed me where nobody could see what he was doing or if I needed help. I don't feel safe walking from front to back because of this and no, I can't call the police on him because that would only make matters worse. And we all know how he said/she said works. He used to leave for work super early so I could bring the bins back near my garage but now he is no working and sorry, I just will not leave myself open for harassment and physical abuse. He made some snippy remark about the bins being out yesterday. He has to know damn well why. There seems to be an ordinance where I am (which he mentioned, trying to scare me into being complicit so he can grab me again, no doubt) but no mention of fines and honestly, with all the nearby gang activity and burglaries, etc., you really think this is a priority?

The bins are closed and in good condition and not blocking anybody's egress. Please know if you see bins out that it's not always because of laziness. I just couldn't take any more. If the police ever ask about it, THEN I will tell them why but not unless- and I see them come by my street and wave (I know quite a few) and no issues.

To the above poster.

I am completely taken aback by your post, that a neighbor should do this to you. If you feel you can't speak to the police, that is an even more sad state of affairs. Is this where we as a society have come? How do you manage to put your trash in the cans? I am assuming you can find time to do that, so why not time to move the cans?

Anyway, I do have a couple of suggestions.

Ask your other neighbors if they have been having similar problems.

Ask a neighbor to stand outside while you take in your can or put out.

Ask a neighbor to kindly move your cans when they move theirs. You could in return make some cookies as a thank you.

Ask a local middle school boy to move your cans for a couple of dollars each week.

Ask on Nextdoor.com if others are having similar problems.

If you are having this type of problem the police must be informed. If your neighbor is doing this to you he is probably doing other things to other women he encounters. This could be one step away from something a lot more serious, so I urge you to tell the police. Call the non-emergency number or go to the police in City Hall to lodge your complaint. Whatever happens, don't let him get away with this behavior.

Unless of course, this is overnight trolling.

Dear Resident,

No, I am not a troll. This is happening. And none of your suggestions work in my situation. While this USED to be a good neighborhood, I lived elsewhere for 22 years. When I came back here, things were way different. Neighbors are NOT friendly. My cans are in front of my house- easy to put trash in them there without having to deal with full frontal (!!!) assault and threat of more. I can do that in broad daylight, any time. But where the cans used to be- they were way in back and I simply will not subject myself to that abuse any more. It's either leave the cans (which are COVERED and in GOOD CONDITION) out in front or resort to illegal dumping, which I believe is worse.

Had I known what I was coming back here to, I never would. No, I can't move.

As long as I stay in the house or go out someplace in the car, I'm perfectly safe. You DO know what happens in he said/she said incidents, don't you? Usually nothing. Then his antics would escalate. I just posted to point out that some people might have a perfectly legitimate reason for not moving their cans/bins.