Can my WA neighbors put their trash in my garbage can? What state law says
When it comes to trash, there are certain rules all Washington state residents are expected to follow.
These include picking up yard waste and throwing away litter.
What happens when you open your curbside bin and spot your neighbor’s garbage mixed in with yours?
“Is it OK for your neighbors to load up your garbage can with all their (stuff) without asking permission of the owner?” Nextdoor user Audrey S. of Bellingham asked in a post on the social media platform in April. “Because that’s what my fine neighbors across the street just did!”
The Bellingham resident described finding pieces of wood and metal in her waste container — “all that stuff they used to remodel their house.”
Here’s what to know:
Can my neighbor put their trash in my garbage bin?
In Washington state, it’s against the law for neighbors to put their garbage in your trash cans.
“While it may seem harmless, tossing your extra bag of trash into the neighbor’s half-empty can or plugging a battery charger into the unused outlet at a local business, are actually prohibited by law,” the Pullman Police Department said in a Facebook post in January.
The “unauthorized use of paid services” is considered theft under state law, the agency said.
According to the Revised Code of Washington, you can be found “guilty of theft in the third degree” if you’re caught stealing property or services not exceeding $750 in value.
“Most Washington shoplifting cases fall under this category,” Western Washington law firm Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws said on its website.
What is the penalty for theft of services?
In Washington state, theft of services is considered a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, according to Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, which has offices in Seattle and Everett.
What are city rules about illegal dumping?
Rules about where you can dump your trash vary by municipality.
In Seattle, it’s unlawful to “deposit any material in any solid waste container on private property,” unless you’re authorized by the property owner or occupant.
You also can’t dump anything on a sidewalk or a planting strip abutting private property.
The city of Wenatchee prohibits people from throwing, dropping or leaving “any discarded object, debris, or waste” on public or private property, as well as waters within city limits.
“Depositing any garbage, litter or discarded items into any garbage can, dumpster or other receptacle” located on someone else’s property is against Spokane’s municipal code.
How can I prevent neighbors from using my waste containers?
What can you do to keep your neighbors out of your waste containers?
Start by having a conversation with your neighbor and see if you can come to an understanding.
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s suggests concealing outdoor trash cans by installing a privacy shed or keeping them a locked tool shed for your garage.
“Garbage cans can distract from the beauty of your yard and attract pests, so finding effective outdoor garbage can storage ideas is essential,” the home improvement retailer said.
Wenatchee radio station The Quake recommends keeping your trash can or dumpster in an enclosed, well-lit area away from public walkways, secured with a chain and padlock.
You can purchase a garbage can lock via most online retailers, including Amazon and Etsy.