Need solution to recycling problem
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I live in a townhouse "community" with a homeowners association. I just learned that the HOA board has decided NOT to allow bins to be set up here for recycling, despite the fact that we will have to pay for them either way. Apparently there's some city ordinance that says all such communities must pay for recycling services/bins but they don't have to actually allow the service in their community.
The reason the board decided not to allow it is because apparently there's a $400 fine EVERY time it's used incorrectly, e.g. every time someone puts paper in the bin for plastics. They believe this will surely happen and that we can't afford all the fines. I see their point.
I think it's essential that the world move forward with recycling programs and I really hate that we have this great opportunity and we're not taking it, but I know we can't afford the fines. Does anyone know what other communities do about such dilemmas? I would like to think we could just trust/train our community to use the bins properly, but most people think I'm being overly optimistic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
For the record:
1. People like myself still can - and do - take their recyclables to recycling centers throughout the city. I just think many more people would recycle if it were more convenient.
2. I'll try to lobby the city council (or appropriate authority) to change the ordinance, in case that helps.
Thank you!
The reason the board decided not to allow it is because apparently there's a $400 fine EVERY time it's used incorrectly, e.g. every time someone puts paper in the bin for plastics. They believe this will surely happen and that we can't afford all the fines. I see their point.
I think it's essential that the world move forward with recycling programs and I really hate that we have this great opportunity and we're not taking it, but I know we can't afford the fines. Does anyone know what other communities do about such dilemmas? I would like to think we could just trust/train our community to use the bins properly, but most people think I'm being overly optimistic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
For the record:
1. People like myself still can - and do - take their recyclables to recycling centers throughout the city. I just think many more people would recycle if it were more convenient.
2. I'll try to lobby the city council (or appropriate authority) to change the ordinance, in case that helps.
Thank you!
Post edited by Unknown User on
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I would call the cityworks department and ask about their stance on recycling and their programs. If they are requiring you to have a recycle bin, yet you are being prevented from recycling from your HOA, I would assume you could file a complaint to the city. You could maybe petition the rest of the homeowners in your community.
It should be the HOA's responsibility to work out a reasonable solution with the recycling peeps. Are there other townhouse communities in the city? Find out what system they have in place for recycling?
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One of my neighbors called the Waste Management Department to ask what the other communities are doing and was told that pretty much none of them accepting the recycle bins. (Single family homes aren't having a problem because they each have their own bin.)
I've asked the HOA board, and they've asked the property management company, to get me a copy of the ordinance and the letter they were sent. They said they're working on it. I've received one piece of documentation so far, but it wasn't really helpful.
My understanding is that the fine is coming from the city - I just need to determine which part of the city government is imposing it (the City Council, the Waste Management Department, etc.). Then I'll petition them. But the city doesn't require us to have recycle bins; they just require us to pay for the program whether or not we use it. It's totally up to us (or at least to the HOA board) to decide whether or not to use it.
And as long as these fines stand, I can't blame them for not wanting to accept the bins unless we come up with some way to keep people from getting us fined. That's why I was hoping someone here would have some idea of how to ensure proper use of the recycling bins among the community.
But the board feels no civic duty to fight the city government about the fines as long as they have the right to refuse the bins, thereby eliminating the risk of being fined. They said if I want to fight the city to go right ahead. Wish me luck.