Continuing on the theme of all things neighborly, this week’s “Common Law” column addresses questions received on a universal topic – trash. Whether you are an Austin millionaire or a broke college student, everybody’s got to deal with trash. Here are the trash questions that are on Austinites’ minds.
My neighbor leaves his big garbage bin by the curb for days at a time. It drives me crazy. Is he allowed to do that?
No. Believe it or not, the city of Austin has very specific requirements for putting your trash out on the curb. According to the city, garbage carts should be placed at the curb by 6:30am on collection day but not prior to 8pm the evening before. The city also requires that the garbage bins be returned to their storage area by 10pm on the designated collection day.
Chances are your neighbor doesn’t know about the ordinance (not many do). Your best bet may be to mention it to him politely. If you prefer an anonymous option, you could download a copy of city regulations (go to www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/garbage.htm) and mail them to your neighbor. If these options fail and you really want to make an issue out of it, you can report the potential violation (call the nonemergency 311 to do so).
My neighbor piles up his trash alongside the fence on the boundary of our property, which is only feet from the side wall of my house. He lets is build up a lot before he gets rid of it. Can he do that?
It depends. There is a city of Austin ordinance that prohibits accumulated garbage, rubbish, brush, filth, carrion, or any other unsightly, objectionable, or unwholesome matter on their property (Ordinance 10-5-21). It’s difficult to know whether your neighbor’s pile of trash fits this description or not. Your best bet may be to express your concerns to the neighbor and look for an informal solution.
Where are the Austin landfills?
Check out this website for a list of Austin landfills: www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/landfill.htm.
This article appears in December 14 • 2007.