Nobody likes to talk about garbage; why else does your HOA pay waste management companies to take the trash to the dump? Unfortunately, though, when you live in a community, a lot of people generate a lot of waste, so it’s critical that HOA management come up with a way to keep trash contained and community spaces green.
But since you can’t supervise every community member at every moment, though, making sure things stay clean isn’t easy! That’s why Gassen, Eden Prairie providers of property management services, is here to help with a few tips.
Learn how to keep your HOA community clean with effective waste management.
Choose the Right Waste Management Vendor
Know your community and its needs. If you have residents who want to recycle or you live in a neighborhood that does a lot of yard work, plan accordingly by negotiating with a vendor who can meet all of your needs.
Some waste management companies only handle garbage pickup, so if you’re looking for more dual services, like recycling or yard waste removal, do your research.
Look through our preferred vendors list or speak with a property management company like Gassen to help you determine just the right waste management company to work with.
Make Plans Comprehensive
Trash goes to the edge of the curb to be picked up on a certain day – that’s a given. But good waste management programs account for the varying amounts of waste that correspond with varying seasons and circumstances.
For instance, you might consider providing a community dumpster around the holidays, or plan a specific day with your waste management company for Christmas tree removal. During the spring and fall months when residents are working to spruce up or clear out their gardens and flower beds, include more yard waste services.
And don’t forget to provide options for disposing of larger items that might not fit in bins, like furniture, shelving, etc.
Let residents know if they need to call the waste management company for personal pickup options or if there are certain weeks in the year for setting out those large items.
Recycle Where you Can
Not only is it good for the environment, which is an obvious perk, but recycling also tames the amount of trash your HOA has to deal with. Two bins are better than one, after all.
Plus, simply having a neighborhood recycling program can put waste disposal on the forefront of residents’ minds, encouraging them to be mindful of where they’re putting all of their trash, not just the recyclable type.
Just make sure that you’re on top of, even a bit of a stickler about, what stuff goes in which bins!
The reason behind this is twofold: You don’t want anyone to incur fines from improper placement, and with enough trouble, your recycling vendor might decline to serve you.
Don’t Pay for Contractor Waste Disposal
They don’t pay dues, so they don’t get to use the services! It’s one thing to let a wayward worker recycle their water bottle, but allowing your lawn mowers to dispose of clippings in community receptacles, for example, can mean major trash backup.
Bring waste disposal up with contractors during contract negotiations, and don’t sign contracts that allow for a vendor’s waste disposal in community areas, unless you’re prepared to deal with the consequences.
Spread the Word
Whether you’re making changes to your waste management contracts, switching vendors, or continuing to run your waste management the same this year as last, keep your residents informed of what they need to do.
Send out seasonal emails with reminders to your community of what they can and cannot recycle, where to put their bins for collection, when special removal days are coming up, and more.
And keep this information easily accessible on your community’s online platform and social media accounts.
Gassen: 5-Star Accounting, Online Property Management, & More
Clean, beautiful properties are possible year round with just a little effort and communication. Make it even easier by working with an HOA management company that anticipates your needs and provides you with access to preferred vendors.
Place your neighborhood in good hands with the property management experts at Gassen and watch it reach its full potential. Give our Eden Prairie office a call today at 952-922-5575, or request a quote here.