What Counts as a Trash Violation
Most Palm Beach County HOAs enforce three rules: (1) bins may not be placed at the curb before a specified time the night before pickup — usually 6PM or later; (2) bins must be returned to storage by a specified time on pickup day — usually 11PM or the end of the day; (3) bins may not be visible from the street when in storage — they must sit behind a fence, in a garage, or in a screened enclosure. Any single violation triggers a warning letter. Repeat violations escalate to fines.
How Enforcement Works
Enforcement typically runs through the community's HOA manager and a small compliance team that drives the property once or twice weekly, photographing violations and documenting addresses. Photos are attached to violation letters. Repeat offenders are placed on a watchlist. Some communities also accept resident-submitted photos of neighbor violations. Enforcement is not random — it is systematic and documented, which is why many homeowners are surprised by the speed with which fines accumulate.
Typical Fine Structure
First offense: written warning, no fine. Second offense within twelve months: fine of $50–100. Third offense: fine of $150–250. Fourth offense: fine of $250+ plus a hearing before the ARC or board. Fines are added to the homeowner's ledger and payable with monthly dues. Unpaid fines can lead to a lien on the property. Across a two-year window, a family that repeatedly misses the storage deadline can rack up several hundred dollars in fines for nothing more than a busy week.
Wellington Ordinance Details
Wellington is the strictest jurisdiction in the county on bin placement. The Village of Wellington municipal code allows bins at the curb no earlier than 6PM the night before scheduled pickup and requires them back in a screened storage area no later than 11PM the day of pickup. Individual HOAs — Olympia, Versailles, Palm Beach Polo, Grand Isles — layer additional rules on top. Fines are enforceable under Florida HOA statutes and are typically assessed within thirty days of the violation.
Why Homeowners Get Fined Repeatedly
Fines cluster around three profiles: snowbirds who leave for the summer without a compliance plan; busy families with two working parents who forget on Mondays; and elderly residents who cannot reliably manage the physical bin work. All three profiles have one thing in common — the homeowner is not always available to move the bin on the exact schedule the ordinance requires. That mismatch produces the same repeat violations year after year.
How Can-to-Curb Ends Violations Permanently
Can-to-curb service from Trash Caddy handles both placement and return every week automatically. Cans go to the curb after the ordinance start time and back to storage before the deadline. Same crew every week. Photo confirmation retained on file. HOA violations stop. For homeowners who have already accumulated fines, communities are typically willing to reduce or waive future fines once a compliance vendor is in place — the fine is a compliance mechanism, not a revenue target.
What to Do If You Already Have Fines
If you have already received fine letters, three steps: (1) request the violation history in writing from your HOA manager; (2) sign up for can-to-curb service and inform the HOA in writing that you have a permanent compliance plan in place; (3) request a fine reduction or waiver at the next board meeting. Boards routinely reduce accumulated fines when they see a permanent solution in place because their objective is compliance, not punitive collection.
How to Sign Up
Call 561-913-2023 or submit the form on this site. Provide your address, HOA name, and pickup day. Service starts on the next collection cycle. Photo confirmation begins immediately. For most homeowners, fines stop within the first month of service.
FAQ
How much can HOA trash fines cost?+
First offenses are typically warnings. Repeat violations run $50–250+ per incident, with unpaid fines potentially attaching as a lien on the property.
Will can-to-curb eliminate all trash violations?+
Yes. Can-to-curb from Trash Caddy handles both placement and return per your community's ordinance every week, with photo confirmation on file.
Can I get old fines waived?+
Boards routinely reduce or waive accumulated fines when the homeowner shows a permanent compliance plan in place. Request a waiver at the next board meeting after signing up for service.
How do I sign up?+
Call 561-913-2023 or submit the form on this page with your address and pickup day. Service starts on the next collection cycle.