In San Pablo, California, a disagreement over payment between a local resident and a dumpster rental service took an unexpected turn when the company dumped a load of debris back onto the customer’s property. This unusual incident was captured by a neighbor’s surveillance camera, and the footage has since gained significant attention online.
Martin Perez, who runs Express Rental Dumpster, explained that he resorted to this action because he felt it was his only option after the customer failed to pay a $700 outstanding balance and moved out without settling the bill.
“We didn’t want to resort to this, but I’m exhausted,” Perez admitted.
Perez further told ABC’s San Francisco affiliate, KGO, that his efforts to secure the payment were unsuccessful.
“We attempted to retrieve the payment, but it was declined,” he stated.
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He added that hauling the debris away anyway would have cost him another $1,000 out of pocket to dispose of. The debris, he pointed out, included appliances.
Perez said what frustrated him most was what he found left behind: two $1 bills and a smiley face drawn on the receipt.
“He leave me an invoice, $2 and happy face,” Perez said. “You think that ‘it’s like that,’ right?”
Perez said that’s when he decided to return the debris to the property.
The neighbor whose security camera recorded the dumping told KGO he understands the dispute but said the trash has now become a neighborhood issue. As of April 15, it had been nine days since the incident.
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“This is not just between the driver and the neighbor. This started affecting all the community,” said the neighbor, who didn’t want to be named. He pointed to a nearby creek and park where kids play.
San Pablo police confirmed they received reports of illegal dumping but determined no crime was committed. The case is now in the hands of city code enforcement, and the violation notice was addressed to a name listed as the property owner.
Perez said his team cleaned up around the home to ensure no debris was left in the street or on the sidewalk.
“I feel bad because I don’t want to cause any issues,” he said. “But, sometimes, it’s hard doing this kind of work.”
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