I thought you might find this email exchange amusing...

-----Original Message-----
From: megan metcalf
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 2:07 PM
To: Building Management
Subject: Garbage/Recycling: E. 117th

Hi, Manager -

I'm wondering if there's a problem with the garbage at E. 117th? It looks like it hasn't been taken out in weeks: there is a pile to the side of the building that is several bags high and several bags deep. Not only is it disturbing, it makes the stairwell smell and I'm sure it's not helping with the rats and roaches. I hope this will be taken care of right away - I thought the garbage is picked up Monday; I hope we won't have to wait until Thursday.

Also, I thought I'd paste what I found on the DSNY website about recycling here:

"Buildings with ten or more apartments that receive four or more Notices of Violation within a six-month period will be fined $500 for each bag that violates recycling regulations, up to a maximum of 20 bags within a 24-hour period. This translates to a maximum fine of $10,000 per day."

I know New York's recycling rules have been confusing in recent years - I'm sure you're working on getting a functional recycling system together for our building as soon as possible.

Thank you!!
Megan Metcalf

Manager <Manager@dawnaydayusa.com> wrote:

Let me also try to explain how the recycling system works. In order for a system to work everyone has to participate in the system. As you probably notice there may not be any signs posted. That's because each time they are someone tears them down. Also even if the signs remain tenants are not cooperating with recycling anyway. Recycling doesn't just start when you throw the garbage out it starts in your apartment when you separate your garbage before you bring it downstairs.

Now whether or not signs are posted or actual cans are displayed it still does not prevent anyone from bringing down their plastic and bottles in the light blue clear bags. Nor does it stop tenants from tying up old magazines or books before they throw them out. Tenants have to also do their share as well as management.

I do believe that we are presently awaiting the appropriate cans for the correct disposal of everything. Now once they have arrived and everything is set up let's see the tenant participation.

Date:    Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:09:57 -0800 (PST)
From:    "megan metcalf"
Subject:    RE: Garbage/Recycling: E. 117th
To:    "Manager" <Manager@dawnaydayusa.com>

No problem!  I've been separating my recycling and taking it on the subway to work, where they recycle.  It sometimes gets heavy, though, and they are not so happy with this arrangement.  I don't have enough on my own to fill up a clear or blue bag.

I'm so glad to hear about the new cans - I'm sure you're also planning on making the garbage area to the side of the building cleaner and safer, which is probably why people don't go down there.  It isn't well lit, there are bugs and rats around, and people not from the building sometimes hang out down there.  I'm sure you're aware that my upstairs neighbor was held up at gunpoint in the lobby two weeks ago.

Thanks again for all of your help!
Megan Metcalf

--- 

Nope, I haven't heard anything since...and, nope, no recycling bins have shown up either.  The trash was thankfully thrown away the same day I sent the email - not sure what was going on with that.

New York: easy to love, easy to hate - still here after 10 years!