Our client recently received a $200 fine from the City of Chicago for trash left outside of their dumpster.  Turns out that it was the neighbor's Christmas tree that had been left on the ground near the dumpster that triggered the fine.

$200 can be a lot of money for a small association.  And the city is hurting for cash during tougher economic times.  Don't become an easy target!  Notify your owners that all trash must be completely in the dumpster and the dumpster must remain closed.  If an extra pickup is needed to handle overflow, it will most likely cost less than a city fine.