Flying Trash

gator-
The HOA does allow trash cans to be stored outside, but they must be screened. See the HOA documents for the guidelines. Most houses and townhouses in Broadlands have one or two car garages. You, the owner, make the choice of what to put in it.
We all can get a toter. The difference is that in single-family homes, it is included in the cost. Single family homes pay a higher monthly trash fee than townhomes. For townhomes, it is an optional cost. For someone, like me, who lives in a single family house and does not have a toter, I am paying for something I don't get. Your ideas about "class" are incorrect.

There's a good chance we will be changing trash company's soon due to AAA's unexpected cost increase. I'm leaning towards the HOA not providing ANY toters, and those that want them can pay the trash company directly for them.
This will keep the cost lower, and only those that want toters will pay for them.

 

Cliff is right, to a point. SFH can request to build a 4 foot high trash can enclosure. Townhouses don't have that option, however, they can put their trash cans in their back yard if they have it fenceds.

Other than that, they must be in the garage.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

While I agree the townhomes with a single car garage are small, there is room for the toter with some good planning! We have ours off to the right and it fits just fine. We have shelves in the back of the garage for storage and we hang the bikes from the ceiling of the garage! It's possible!

I have to agree with gator, it appears the whole toter issue is "class" oriented. That may not be the real reason, but everyone I know in a townhome feels the same way. I'm sure there are plenty who disagree, I just haven't met them yet!

I say give them to everyone and let them figure out what to do with it. It's really not hard to figure out. Maybe our garage is slightly bigger and we lucked out? Now I'm curiuos...

Have a great day! Enjoy the snow! Stay warm!

Robin

 

flynnibus-
The number one complaint the HOA receives from residents is trash cans/recycling/yard waste out at the curb too soon or left out too long and trash cans not stored out of sight.

 

Interesting statistic. That annoys us, too...but only when it's not in a toter and it winds up all over the place (street, front lawn, in the bushes, on my doorstep, etc.

What does the HOA do when they get these complaints? I've been here a year and I only see it getting worse as more people move in.

 

1. Toter's in the townhouses is not a CLASS issue ... some people actually would like to use the garage for storage and put their cars in. The toters are very large, and take up almost as much space as 2 55 gal plastic cans (available at Home Depot for under $20 each) when placed perpendicular to a wall forming a 'T'. With the 55 gal cans, you can put them against the wall, and provide more space, you don't have that with the toter, it sticks out that width no matter how you turn it.

I'm lucky, for some inane reason, I can place the toter in my SFH in the space between the two garage doors. Then again, I use my garage for cars, not storage,

2. If there is a complaint about trash being out without a container, or bags left out next to one, but trash flying about. The staff will take a look, take a picture, and send a 'covenant infraction' letter to the owner of the house.

[Personal opinion mode]
I really find it amazing that I hear more problems in the newer areas of townhomes, than in those that have been here since the development started. I'd like to hear other people's opinions on why this is so .



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

So, there's a rule saying trash must be in a trashcan when it's out on the curb for pickup? Or, did I read too much into that?

 

I'm not sure who you are referring to, but I'm going to comment anyway. The issue (for me anyway) is not that I can't afford the $3.50 a month for the AAA toter, it's the fact that the TH are excluded (I don't care what the reason is). It's stupid! But, I do agree with you that a single care mid-unit garage has challenges, but we all knew when we bought the houses! So, if you have to pull your car out to pull your can out twice a week, that's life! And it's really not a huge deal (not for me).

 

I have a feeling this is because the cost of housing has risen to the point that there are more mid-career professionals and families that find themselves buying new townhomes. I am not convinced that there is a bigger problem, just that these people have higher standards when they buy the newer, bigger townhomes. And they are more likely to whine.

I think the best suggestion for those who are complaining is to get away from their computers and pick up the darn trash. Of course, letting oblivious neighbors know about their run away trash is also a good idea.

I think the idea that this is all "class" driven is ridiculous. Here is what I understand:

1. TH's pay a different HOA fee, which includes a lower trash collection fee b/c of the nature of the dwelling (not dependent on cans vs. no cans).

2. Not all TH owners want a big AAA can, and those that don't shouldn't have to pay for it.

3. TH owners can get a can for themselves that fits their own needs. Those that want to pay an extra few $'s for a AAA can are able to pay AAA directly, rather than everyone *having* to pay through the HOA.

Note: I am in a SFH, but recently lived in a TH in another community.



Pam D.

 

That's dumb, too! SFH shouldn't have to pay more for trash pickup! Geeze, all of this is just crazy! There are 5 of us in our TH (and one in diapers). I bet we put out more trash then some of the SFH. Anyway.... I guess you just can't please everyone!

 

pamD and Robin-
To answer your question about why single family homes pay more for the trash service than townhouses:
1) The cost of the can is included in single family homes but since townhouses do not receive them, they do not pay for it.
2) Historically, trash companies have charged less for trash collection from a townhouse than a single family home. It is assumed that a townhouse will generate less trash than a house. This gap is now being closed by most trash services because the size of townhouses and the size of the families that live in them are now not much smaller than a single family house.

flynnibus- disregard, I misunderstood your comment.

 

You read too much ... the covenants say:

You can use bags, as they are a refuse disposal system, but as was mentioned, if you have an animal problem (dogs, cats, raccoons) you should not use a bag as refuse will be strewn about. Containers and bags should not be placed outside before 6PM of the evening prior to the pickup. And the bags must be strong enough to withstand handling by the trash haulers. That means many kitchen size trash bags don't qualify.

That all said ... why take the risk of just using bags, they break, the haulers are required to make all reasonable attempts to pick up anything that falls while the containers are being emptied into the trash removal vehicle. Now if they break when being picked up from the curb, not sure that clause will qualify. Sure they'll make a reasonable attempt, but if the trash is blown by the wind before they get to it, they don't have to chase it down the street.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I read too much? No, I was simply asking a question because I was unsure and didn't feel like digging out my HOA bible.

 

You asked the first question .. "did I read too much', basically I said yes ... and gave you the background on the requirements.






Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Yep, sorry Neil. I realized that after I posted and then had to run off and do something!