No Dumpster Diving Allowed!!

[administrator]

The seasonal dumpsters are back again at Lake Monticello near the fishing pond. I always look forward to cleaning out my garage and loading up for my bi-annual trip to unload. The problem is, I usually come back with something that someone else has thrown away that I can either fix or find a good use for. There are some out there that spend hours a day watching the dumpsters and saving some really nice items from the landfill. I kind of view dumpster diving as recycling.

Now, our wonderful LMOA has prohibited dumpster diving. There are signs up at the dumpster site now prohibiting folks from climbing in the dumpsters. There is even a warning in the friday flyer (Lake Monticello's 'Hot News' source... :rolleyes:). But, what makes this even more discouraging is that it appears LMOA now has an employee stationed at the dumpsters to ward off potential scavengers. I went by there Friday and Saturday and both days there was someone sitting in a white LMOA truck watching the dumpsters. Please say it ain't so!

After all of the begging and pleading to the LMOA community about needing to raise the dues, we can afford to pay someone to watch the dumpsters?? I am glad I voted against the dues increase because obviously LMOA is not spending our money wisely, if this is the case.

Also, LMOA is claiming that they are going "green". This much overused, feel-good term is being touted by LMOA. By allowing folks to basically recycle what others are throwing away, aren't we saving our earth's landfills from further garbage? Isn't that also considered being "green"? You can't have it both ways LMOA. Either you're green or you ain't!

Here's a simple solution if you all are waving the liability flag. Simply put up signs stating that the use of the dumpsters is at your own risk. Seems simple to me.

I welcome any comments on this subject.

[Articulady]

I couldn't agree with you more! Every single time I go take a load of garbage to the dumpster that I have been unable to either recycle or give away or somehow make further use of, I shake my head in dismay at some of the things I see being thrown away to make the journey to the landfill, adding to the already huge problem of too much garbage. I always have to resist the urge to post a big sign on the dumpster that reads something along the lines of "Haven't you people ever heard of Freecycle.org?????" Sometimes I break the rules and leave something OUT of the dumpster, alongside because I KNOW someone will want to take it home. A couple of times it was taken before I was even done. But that's not allowed either. Now they're posting an employee to make sure we put our share of garbage in the landfill and no one reduces the waste by recycling?? Argh!! Freecycle, people!

[CAP]

Top reasons against "dumpster diving" by www.treehugger.com (http://www.treehugger.com):

- Dumpster Diving is illegal in many places.

- It's often illegal because if a person gets hurt while rummaging through your trash they can sue you for damages.

- Personal Injury.

- Enviornmental hazards.

- Mess caused by the divers.

- Hypodermic needles discarded in garbage.

- Dumpster Diving is aginst the law in most states because of Identity theft laws.

- Bed bugs (Scabies) in furniture, clothing or from matresses in them.

- Lead Poisoning.

[bluegoose]

Not to mention that it's gross. Drive through certain sections of the Lake and you will see that some people have more than their share of "stuff" in their yards and on their porches and decks that they don't need anymore. And those are some of the people who bring junk home. If you want to freecycle, donate your unwanted items to a charitable organization. Also, we just heard of the family in the county whose house burned down, why not donate your stuff to them, if it's in good condition.

And posting an employee at the dump sites is standard practice. Visit other counties in the state of VA who have the convenience sites throughout their counties. They have a small shed type building with an attendant on duty during the times the site is open. The attendant maintains the area and cleans up any messes that are left behind. He monitors the dumpsters and closes them when they are full. It's his/her job. Somebody has to do it. So, one could only conclude that the employee in the white truck is already on the payroll and is merely taking his/her turn checking out the property and the dump site to make sure all rules are being followed. The LMOA does have the right to make sure that the rules are being followed. If the rules are not followed, then they have stated that the dumpsters will be removed and then what would we do with all of our bigger than normal junk we need to throw away. And if you don't want to follow the rules then there are other options out there, like moving.

[wife2dren]

I'd just like to get to use one of the dumpsters one day. Every time we go, even if it's on THE day of a pickup, the dumpsters are ALWAYS full.

[administrator]

No, posting an employee is not standard practice, at least at the Lake. This is something new. Again, post a sign saying that the LMOA is not responsible for accidents and you are covered. This thing is just silly, but typical.

[bluegoose]

I never said it was typical at LMOA, but I am glad to see that they are monitoring. I live near a bunch of junk bunnies who dumpster dive all the time and it's ridiculous. Their junk becomes an eyesore for everyone who lives near them. If everyone is so concerned about recycling stuff then DONATE it. There are many places within the county to donate stuff. I attend Effort Baptist Church and we just sent an entire container to our school in Liberia. I am sure Effort would take gently used items for this important mission project. Have a yard sale. Contact the Fluvanna Christian Services Society. They are usually aware of needy families who could use recycled items. I get the feeling that taking the time to donate your unwanted items is too much work and therefore, you don't want to do it, and that you would rather complain about how hard it is to follow the rules and stir up yet another controversy over something absolutely ridiculous. Let's put this to bed and spend precious time worrying about more important issues.

[administrator]

Oh I agree. It is much easier to just toss stuff than try to find a new home for it, and that's sad. I, and many other Lake residents utilize freecycle.

My point isn't fighting a rule because its a rule, I just don't see the harm in someone retrieving something that they may be able to use. Has LMOA been sued over a diver getting hurt? Why the big need for oversight now?

As for your neighbors, if people are junking up their yards, then the ECC should enforce that. (or you can move ;))

[Berries]

Amen Bluegoose! Once again the administrator is "digging" up some remote topic to keep us grumbling at lake Monticello. Get a life out there :rolleyes:

[bluegoose]

Thanks Berries, I thought the whole idea of this forum was to be informative, however most of what I see is griping and complaining and stirring up stuff. My grandmother always said the more you stir in "it" the worse it stinks!!!

And as far as me moving...I plan on staying here for a long time....I refuse to allow this kind of stuff run me away. If I don't like what I see, I will just close the curtains! Besides, I like rules.:D

[skibme]

can't wait to see the new compost pile catch fire. big pile= big fire.

[Oh_Shenandoah]

Just wanted to point out that I ran into Ron Shields (maintenace mgr) on his way to put up the signs last week and guess what? They had to do it because that morning he had to come and get someone out of the dumpster who got in and could not get back out! Glad they could get cell phone reception in there, lol.

Freecycle and craigslist's "free" section are the way to go to get rid of your unwanteds, most of the time it works.

[bluegoose]

and what would have happened if they fell in and got hurt or hit their head and was knocked unconscious and could not get out and then the truck came and took them to the landfill??? We think it sounds funny at first, but just think of all the things that could have happened. That could have been a serious situation. Once again, thank LMOA for being proactive and not only protecting themselves but others from doing something that could hurt themselves or someone else.