Nasty neighbors dump their yard waste in my backyard, what is the best way to handle this?

Question

I don't know who they are.

From the back yard I hear 'the mom' yelling at people a lot. And the dad seems to be a regular homer simpson.

They are a little crazy, so I feel like this is a touchy situation maybe I should just bite the bullet and just keep cleaning up their waste. Do you have a clever idea?

Answer 1

Put up a sign that says, private property, no dumping of refuse!  Then if they do it again, call the police.  If you want something more good neighbourly, simply tell them that someone has been dumping yard waste on your lawn and ask them if anyone has been doing it to them.  Tell them you are setting up cameras and going to call the police if it happens again and suggest they do the same.  If they admit it was them, then tell them they will have to stop because that is your property.  If it continues, do exactly as you told them you would and call the police.

Answer 2

I love the idea about setting up a camera. Catch them on film, and show the police. What they are doing is illegal.

Personally, I'd just throw all the waste back and go insane - but you seem abit more sensible, so handle this the proper way =)

Answer 3

esta .. has the right answer ... that's how I would handle it too.

Answer 4

Toss it back on their property.  If they keep it up, ask your law enforcement agency if that could be considered littering.  Then yank out the cameras and start filming.

Answer 5

Can you put a nice sign that says No Dumping. Maybe they don't even know it is your property or can you put something where they dumb like a nice tree or plant. Try to think of a nice way to do it so they won't feel you are out to get them. It's better not to set them off. I do visualizations & instead of wishing bad on my neighbors which was where my mind was headed. I have a noise issue. I just focused on having peace. You can just focus on you space being "space" clean & good boundaries, harmony, ease, comfort...About a week after I focused I saw some people that didn't look like they would visit my neighbors so I looked out & the house was up for sale. Two women bought the house & I they are so nice.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, security cameras can be pretty expensive. ($200 plus) If you already have a digital camera or a camcorder, take some pics or video with the date visible, EVERY time this happens. Don't dump the waste back in their yard; leave it as is and call the police. It doesn't matter if you have to keep calling the police and this happens 17 times, ALWAYS call so that you have it on record. Speak calmly and clearly to the officer(s) and explain what's been happening and for how long. Remember you are in the right. The officer will then go speak to the neighbors about it and get "their side." They will be issued a ticket right then and there, unless they can prove they haven't done it (but you will have evidence right there, and most of the time these people are so ignorant and trashy they'll show how guilty they are by screaming and cursing and all that) and have to pay a fine or go to court and dispute it. Even if you have to go to court, you know you'll win. Good luck!

Answer 7

Couple of quick questions for you.  First is your yard neat and tidy?  If not go make it real neat and tidy, lawn mowed all debris moved and just looking overall well kept.  This will prevent them from spoiling a nice yard.  The next time it happens simply throw the items onto their yard.  Remember be sure it is that neighbors stuff, you don't want to create havoc.

I mention the clean up part simply because the neighbors to my rear are PIGS and they have a yard that is not accessible to their house and they NEVER clean up the yard 3x a year I send my landscaper in there to clean it up as I see it from my side.  Yet I also throw branches and what not into the yard when I clean my own so...

Answer 8

I would complain to the police but don't tell them that you suspect its your neighbors. That way when they find out the cops will go tell them without really putting you in the middle of it. Make them work for the money we give them!

Answer 9

Okay, personally I would set up a video camera, it a inconspicuous [dry, safe] place and catch them on camera and then I would call the police [non-emergency] and nail them for littering!

They should not be defacing other people's property with their garbage.