The prosecution: Mohammed
When bins are left out for prolonged periods, our neighbors aren’t pleased, and random individuals toss trash in
I’ve been friends with Ben and Roisin since college. We share living arrangements now and generally get along, but there’s one recurring problem: the bins.
We reside in a split-level maisonette, and we’ve established an unspoken agreement with our upstairs neighbors, a couple in their forties who have been here longer than us. We utilize a shared backyard and two wheelie bins. They place the bins in front of our residence prior to collection day, and I return them afterward. That’s the arrangement, and it has functioned for years.
However, when I’m away on work assignments – I specialize in event rigging, so I’m frequently absent for periods – Ben and Roisin allow the entire system to break down. They neglect to return the bins, leading to conflict with the neighbors. Occasionally, they even fail to take our trash out promptly, resulting in accumulation as we only have our bins emptied every two weeks.
Our neighbors become frustrated, and I can’t blame them. They’ve relocated the bins themselves on several occasions, which they shouldn’t have to do. Roisin and Ben need to adhere to the unspoken guidelines. They pass by the bins, scattered across the road, every morning on their way to work. It seems to not concern them. But when our bins are left out, random people start dumping their trash in. By the time we need to use them, they’re already partly filled with others’ dog waste and takeout containers.
Roisin doesn’t generally handle the bins. She claims it’s a “man’s job”, so I usually address this with Ben. However, he frequently misses the collection because he takes the trash out late, after the truck has passed. Then it remains in the large bins and begins to emit a foul odor. During the summer, the odors and the flies became a significant issue. Our neighbors once asked me if we could be more considerate and not fill the bins up after missing the collection, which is never my fault.
I believe it’s reasonable to want to maintain good relations with our neighbors. They’re not being trivial; they simply desire a tidy street. The system functions well when I’m present because I put in the effort. When I’m away, everything falls apart. Ben needs to take responsibility and return the bins promptly.
The defence: Ben
Trash belongs in the bin, and bins belong out on the street. Mo is making a fuss over trivial matters
Mo loves to discuss this bin “system” as if it’s set in stone, but they’re just bins; they belong on the street and are the property of the council. We don’t need to get worked up over this.
If the bins remain out a little longer, why is that such a big deal? Every street has bins lingering around. Mo claims the neighbors give him disapproving looks, but who cares? He chose to be the mediator with them, I did not. I’m not going to revolve my life around whether a couple in their forties think I’ve retrieved a bin quickly enough. If it troubles them so greatly, they can return the bins themselves.
Mo and Roisin have cohabited since university, and I moved in a year ago. I am organized and considerate, but I work in finance and simply don’t have the bandwidth to stress over the bins. If strangers toss trash in our bin, so what? That’s the purpose of bins. It’s better for it to be in there than littered on the sidewalk.
Mo behaves as if my actions are a personal offense, but the bins are emptied bi-weekly anyway. When our neighbor addressed him about not letting our garbage linger in the bins for weeks, Mo apologized. I wouldn’t have, because it’s not against the law. Mo is overly concerned with others’ perceptions.
I’m not intentionally complicating collection times, but as the newest roommate, I’m still acclimating to the schedule. If I stroll past the bins and forget to place them back in our garden, it’s not intentional – I’m just distracted. Since Roisin won’t handle the bins, the onus falls on me when Mo is away, and I simply forget. If the trash waits until the next collection, I don’t view it as a major issue.
What Mo truly values is how he appears: he wants to look like a good tenant to our neighbors and our landlord. That’s fine, that’s his prerogative, but it shouldn’t weigh so heavily on me. If I take the trash out a week late, I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty – at least I’m taking it out.
From my perspective, Mo is overreacting. He’s a good roommate, but ultimately, they’re just bins. If they remain out for an extra day or two, life continues.
The jury of Guardian readers
Whose perspective will you toss?
It appears Mo is considerate and thoughtful; unfortunately, the same cannot be said for his roommates. We all have busy lives, but that doesn’t imply we’re “too important” to put the bins out. Perhaps a schedule would be beneficial? Mo ought to establish a routine with his roommates so it’s not such a shock when he is away and they must manage the bins on their own.
Louise, 51
If everyone acted like Ben, our neighborhoods would be full of bins. Mo’s request for some occasional assistance with bin duties is entirely reasonable. Living in split maisonettes necessitates this kind of cooperation and compromise, which is both neighborly and minimal effort.
Ade, 38
Ben is displaying a bit of inconsideration. Taking the bins out doesn’t require enough time for working in finance to be a valid excuse, and he could certainly try harder. Roisin should also step up.
Olivia, 21
Coexisting with others means sharing responsibilities even when it’s inconvenient. The bin system fosters a peaceful and amicable relationship with our neighbors and promotes general tidiness and cleanliness. Ben needs to take action instead of merely enjoying the benefits of Mo’s efforts.
Catherine, 41
It seems such a small price to pay for positive relations with nearby residents. I would have liked to hear from Roisin as well, since all three would benefit from a discussion about gender roles in the 21st century. They remind me of Theresa and Philip May!
Mick, 32
Now you be the judge
In our online poll, tell us: who should stop the trash talk?
The poll closes on Wednesday 22 October at 9am BST
Last week’s results
We inquired whether Jayden should eliminate the laundry basket.
3% of respondents said yes – Jayden is at fault
97% of respondents said no – Jayden is not at fault
You be the judge – live! In conjunction with a special Guardian Live event on Wednesday 26 November, Georgina Lawton will be hosting a live version of this column. Join writers including Tim Dowling and Meera Sodha for an evening of Guardian culture, hosted by Nish Kumar. Live in London or via livestream, book tickets here.
