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Dear Ms. Demeanor,
According to building rules, my neighbors are supposed to break down their boxes and bring them to the basement, but they don't. It's become a major eyesore on our floor.
I don't want to seem like the strict parent, but it's bothering me. I also don't know who's doing it.
What's a polite way to ask people to follow the rules? A note? An in-person conversation? Help!
-Foxy Boxy
Dear Foxy Boxy,
First off, ask the super, board, or management company to (re)distribute your building's recycling and garbage rules to each apartment. Sometimes a gentle, general reminder is all it takes.
The next step is a strongly worded sign in the waste room, elevators, and hallways. Alerting others to the problem may make finding the culprit easier if he or she continues to be lazy and sloppy.
Reduce reuse recycle,
Ms. Demeanor