Apple Valley residents are receiving a friendly reminder to keep their trash bins out of sight, except when it's collection day. In a statement on the city's website, officials urge citizens to store their refuse containers within a structure or behind the privacy of landscaping, fences, or storage lockers, so they're not visible from adjacent properties or the street. "When not placed out for collection all trash, recycling, and yard waste containers should be stored within a structure, screened from view if stored at the side yard, or in the back yard," the city's statement specifies.
The ordinance allows for a variety of storage solutions. Bins can be placed in the garage or employ "thoughtful use of landscaping and vegetation to provide year round visual screening when stored in side-yards," according to the city's announcement. For those who need a creative nudge, the city has provided a link on its website for inspiration. Stored containers outside should also be watertight and maintained to prevent vermin from hiding out.
For setting out bins for collection, residents are expected to put their containers behind the curb, not on the street, and only after 6:00 p.m. the night before collection is scheduled. This ensures that the public right-of-way stays clear for all to use. After they've emptied the trash, haulers will return the bins to their proper place behind the curb.
As for those who spot neighbors not playing by these rules, or for those with questions on how to hide bins in plain sight, the city's ready to assist via phone at 952.953.2570, or by email at [email protected].
