Dumpsters: keep or quit?

sonyawiprud

We seem to be the only facility that still has dumpsters, and the customers are not allowed to use them, but they still do EVERY DAY ALL DAY. Considering getting rid of them since it's a major headache. If you have stopped having dumpsters, how is it going for you? The problem is if we lock them up, they will just leave their trash everywhere else. Also we have tried locking them in the past, only to find they've thrown it all on top. Do we need to notify everyone in writing? The rental agreement states they cannot use the dumpster. We verbally discuss this with every new customer. Some of our old tenants think they have the right to use them since they "pay so much" and previous management never told them not to. 
Help! What works for you?

MamaDuke7

1. Start charging for the ones using and abusing it.

2. Get rid of it!  And post a nice big sign telling them there's no dumpster and a $100 fine for leaving any trash.  THEN ENFORCE IT!  They'll stop!

sonyawiprud

MamaDuke7 said:

1. Start charging for the ones using and abusing it.

2. Get rid of it!  And post a nice big sign telling them there's no dumpster and a $100 fine for leaving any trash.  THEN ENFORCE IT!  They'll stop!

I like it!! Thanks!

themage

Yep. We keep ours locked, with a no dumping sign and a fee of $100. We have a camera watching it. 
We have had a few people who left stuff, but they were very "apologetic" when we sent them an email "reminding" them about dumping and that we had added the fee to their account.

We also have a cardboard recycling bin that is available for customers, and we have one or two people a year try to sneak some trash into that bin.

ESS

sonyawiprud said:

 Some of our old tenants think they have the right to use them since they "pay so much" and previous management never told them not to. 
Help! What works for you?

Advise them you are not the old management and you've told them. Send a blast email of a dumpster addendum (we also have tenants sign it at rental). Remind them you are renting them floor space that happens to be surrounded by walls, this is what their rent goes towards...not utilities, no you can't use the outlets that are locked, no your rent does not cover dumpster usage. You are renting floor space and are not entitled to anything else. Like MamaDuke said, start charging them. People tend to listen when you tap into their pockets. Our addendum and sign says we are allowed to charge upwards of $1000 for dumping, you could consider changing your amount. The $100 might be worth their time if they'd have to pay more at the local dump.