Covenant Compliance: Trash Cans & Recycle Bins
Most homeowners in River Hill are responsible and follow the HOA guidelines to remove their garage cans and recycling bins after pickup occurs. It is common for HOA’s to restrict where recycling bins and trash cans may be stored and when they can be placed at the curb. Although some may feel that the rules about garbage cans are trivial or inconvenient, these rules in homeowners’ associations are generally legal and enforceable, provided state laws and the HOA’s governing documents permit them.
The authors of the Village of River Hill legal documents considered this an important enough issue to put it in the Covenants.
If trash or other refuse is to be disposed of by being picked up and carried away on a regular and recuring basis, containers may be placed in the open on any day that a pickup is to be made. At all other times, such containers shall be stored in such a manner so that they cannot be seen from adjacent and surrounding property.
—Article VIII Section 8.06, River Hill Covenants
Some examples of why the River Hill Community Association and its homeowners should care about trash can and recycle bin storage include:
- Trash cans are not attractive. Even clean, they are not aesthetically appealing, especially when lined on the driveway. Trash cans and recycle bins are big and bulky and the colors are uninviting.
- When people leave their bins in their driveways or where people can see them, it affects curb appeal. To keep streets and homes looking neat and attractive, most HOAs do not allow home-owners to display their trash cans on driveways or at the curb 24/7. This is especially true for CA-assessed properties. Columbia Association’s HOAs are working diligently to maintain distinctive appearance and character for the community, and these unsightly trash cans and recycle bins can interfere with that goal.
- Hungry critters live in the area, and they view trash cans as a food source. Trash cans left in driveways are a target for stray animals and wildlife. Placing bins inside garages and behind fences, or in a trash enclosure, can help to prevent rummaging animals.
Trash cans and recycling bins may not be stored on the driveway. Residents may screen them on the side of the house with two to three bushes or they may apply for a trash enclosure. These enclosures are necessary to appropriately screen these bins from view of all adjacent properties. Should you have questions about applying for a trash enclosure, please contact the Covenant Advisor.
Sources:
https://cleancans.com/hoa-trash-can-rules-good-communities
https://psprop.net/hoa-management/the-truth-about-hoa-trash-can-violations
https://my-rcm.com/yes-hoa-trash-can-rules-are-legal-heres-why
