Hands up if you love taking out the trash! Anybody? Nobody?
Yeah, we feel you. But taking the bin to the curb is a weekly chore we just can’t escape.
We all expect to see our streets lined with green and blue bins on trash and recycling day, but let’s admit it, it’s not so nice to see (or smell) those bins still lining the streets days later.
Jasper even has specific guidelines regarding these bins that are on the books to help uphold our community’s undeniable curb appeal, and your home value.
Where and how long should my bin be curbside?
Per the Jasper CC&Rs (page 48), when it’s not curbside the night before or by the end of collection day, trash and recycling bins should not be stored in public view (think front yard, porch, front courtyard, etc.).
The bins need to be stored in the garage or an enclosed yard so that they’re blocked from street view and neighboring properties. If bins can be seen from the street on non-collection days, it’s a compliance violation.
If you know your neighbor is out of town, on vacation, or ill one week, perhaps offer to bring their bin back in to help them avoid a noncompliance notice.
Bins should be placed curbside, not blocking driveways, fire hydrants, or parked vehicles.
Bins out no sooner than the night before collection day, bins back in no later than the night of collection day.
Why is there a rule like this?
It’s important for trash, recycling, and yard waste bins to be stored off the street and out of view for a few reasons:
- Maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Streets lined with trash cans hinder curb appeal.
- Minimize roadway restrictions, which is important when it comes to emergency vehicle access in the neighborhood and visibility if a child or beloved pet runs into the street.
- Deter pets, bugs, and wildlife from going through trash bins searching for food.
- Believe it or not, people do go through trash and recycling bins looking for personal information for criminal purposes. Not setting a bin out too far in advance of collection day means decreased chances for the bad guys to go through your stuff.
What happens if I leave my bin out too long?
Leaving your trash, recycling, or yard-waste bin out past the specified time frame could lead to a $25 fine and more. Per Jasper Community Association enforcement guidelines:
- Courtesy notice: You’ll get a verbal or written courtesy notice about the noncompliance issue and a request that it be fixed.
- Notice of violation: If not fixed, you’ll get a second notice and 15 days to fix the issue.
- Final notice: If the issue still hasn’t been addressed, a monetary penalty will be imposed and access to amenities may be deactivated. Additional monetary penalties may be imposed every 10 business days. Info will also be included on how you can contest the notice and be heard in accordance with Arizona state law.
- Recurring violations: If there is a recurrence of the same noncompliance issues within 90 days of a preceding notice, regardless of compliance following the notice, JCA may continue enforcement as though the violation had not been corrected.
What if a neighbor leaves a bin out too long?
It’s best practice to chat with your neighbor first because you never know if they just might need some extra help bringing in their bin for a week or two. But if it’s become a continued compliance violation not solved by a neighborly conversation, let us know via a community concern form.
Keep in mind, Arizona law (ARS 33-1242 and 33-1803) states that any complaint submitted to the community association cannot be made anonymously. If you’re reporting a violation, you’ll need to include your first and last name, which could be shared with the involved party.
You’ll also need to include details about your concern and photos, too, if you can.
Once you hit submit it’ll go straight to the Jasper Community Life team, and in a timely manner you’ll get an email receipt and soon after that info on how the concern will be addressed.
What about bulk trash?
The Prescott Valley public works department hosts a clean-up event each spring. Prescott Valley residents are able to bring large household items, at no cost, to their dump site. View the list of accepted items and bookmark this site for spring dates.
Speaking of bulk trash, keep in mind that dumping garbage, recyclables or lawn trimmings is prohibited, except in proper receptacles. Empty lots are private property; neither the Community Life team nor Jasper’s landscape partners have the authority to clean them up.
Please don’t throw any garbage — whether it’s bags of trash, old mattresses, or other items — in vacant lots or in builder’s trash bins. It’s illegal dumping and it’s against the law.
Jasper compliance questions? Email Jasper Community Life.