How Can I Control My Garbage Bill at My Apartment Complex?

[Brandon Turner]

Right now we are paying about $1,000 per month for a garbage dumpster at my 24 unit apartment complex, and it's pretty much always full. We can't shrink the dumpster or decrease the number of pickups unless people throw away less stuff.

24 units for $1000 a month works out to $41.66 per unit, per month. What's crazy is that normal garbage service for a house is only $21 per month. So, technically, I could get 24 garbage cans, and give each tenant their own can and it would cut my costs by $500 per month.

However, 24 cans is just not going to happen. No room, and it would be a logistical nightmare.

Any suggestions? How do I cut my bill down, or encourage tenants to throw away less?

What would you do?

(and just for fun, I found this gif online: )

[Richard C.]

I wouldn't start by assuming the problem is your tenants.

1. How is your garbage removal priced? By the tip or ton? Either way, it sounds crazy high. Shop around.

2. Is access to the dumpster secured? Unsecured dumpsters have a way of becoming full very quickly.