Community Guidelines & Best Practices
Welcome to Keep Alley Trash!
These guidelines help maintain a positive, productive community focused on improving our neighborhoods through better alley trash management and community engagement.
Community Standards
Posting Guidelines
Do:
- Be Respectful: Treat all community members with courtesy and respect
- Stay On Topic: Focus discussions on alley trash management, neighborhood cleanup, and community improvement
- Share Constructive Ideas: Offer practical suggestions and solutions
- Use Appropriate Categories: Choose the right category for your posts (general, cleanup, issue, announcement)
- Include Relevant Details: Provide specific information about locations, issues, and proposed solutions
Don't:
- Personal Attacks: No name-calling, harassment, or personal criticism
- Off-Topic Content: Avoid political debates, commercial advertising, or unrelated topics
- Spam or Repetitive Posts: Don't post the same content multiple times
- Inappropriate Language: Keep language family-friendly and professional
- False Information: Verify facts before posting, especially about city policies
Alley Trash Management Best Practices
Proper Trash Placement:
- Container Placement: Place trash containers at least 3 feet from walls and fences
- Accessibility: Ensure collection vehicles can easily access your containers
- Container Condition: Use sturdy, lidded containers to prevent spills and animal access
- Overflow Prevention: Don't overfill containers or leave bags outside containers
Recycling Guidelines:
- Separate Recyclables: Use designated recycling containers for paper, plastic, metal, and glass
- Clean Materials: Rinse containers before recycling
- Check Local Rules: Verify what materials are accepted in your area
- Reduce Waste: Consider composting food waste and yard debris
Neighborhood Cooperation:
- Communication: Discuss trash collection schedules with neighbors
- Shared Spaces: Coordinate with neighbors on shared alley maintenance
- Problem Reporting: Report missed pickups or service issues promptly
- Community Cleanup: Participate in neighborhood cleanup events
Safety Guidelines
Personal Safety:
- Visibility: Wear bright clothing when working in alleys
- Proper Equipment: Use gloves, sturdy shoes, and appropriate tools
- Weather Awareness: Avoid working in extreme weather conditions
- Buddy System: Work with others when possible, especially in isolated areas
Hazard Awareness:
- Sharp Objects: Be careful with broken glass, metal, or other sharp materials
- Chemical Safety: Don't handle unknown chemicals or hazardous materials
- Animal Safety: Be aware of wildlife and stray animals in alley areas
- Vehicle Traffic: Watch for delivery vehicles and maintenance trucks
Emergency Contacts:
- Police: 911 for emergencies, non-emergency line for other issues
- Sanitation Department: Report missed pickups and service problems
- Code Enforcement: Report violations and safety hazards
Community Engagement
Getting Involved:
- Join Discussions: Participate in community posts and share your experiences
- Share Success Stories: Post about successful cleanup efforts and improvements
- Organize Events: Coordinate neighborhood cleanup days
- Mentor New Members: Help new community members learn best practices
Effective Communication:
- Be Specific: Include details about locations, times, and specific issues
- Use Photos: Share before/after photos when appropriate (respecting privacy)
- Follow Up: Update posts with outcomes and resolutions
- Stay Positive: Focus on solutions rather than just problems
Moderation Policy
Our Approach:
We believe in fostering a self-regulating community where members help maintain positive standards. However, we reserve the right to moderate content that violates these guidelines.
Actions We May Take:
- Warning: First-time violations may result in a private warning
- Content Removal: Posts that violate guidelines may be removed
- Temporary Suspension: Repeated violations may result in temporary account suspension
- Permanent Ban: Severe or repeated violations may result in permanent account removal
Appeals Process:
If you believe content was removed in error, you may contact the moderation team through the contact form. We review all appeals fairly and promptly.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about these guidelines or need clarification on any policies, please don't hesitate to reach out:
Community Support:
- Post questions in the community forum
- Use the contact form for private matters
Technical Support:
- Report technical issues through contact form
- Check our FAQ section for common questions
Last updated: July 2025