# My neighbor threw tuna fish in my recycling can **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 5, 2013, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567 "2013-12-05T12:10:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/21 "2013-12-05T17:07:51Z")
> [@mayaonfiya222](#): > > It was hard to reach all of the way to the bottom since the container is like 5 feet tall. > [@Anaamika](#): > > I cannot reach to the bottom, noway, nohow. Couldn’t you just lay it on it’s side and crawl in to clean the bottom? Or you could do like I do and leave the lid open when it’s empty and let the rain wash it out. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/22 "2013-12-05T17:17:03Z")
Huh. I didn’t realize people actually clean those things, but we have ours out in the alley, so you couldn’t really tell anyway. I’m assuming it’s an innocent oversight–it wouldn’t have occurred to me, as I dump I unbagged garbage in my bin every so often. Just ask her nicely. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/23 "2013-12-05T19:12:58Z")
Yeah, we don’t clear ours either. Sometimes it’s in the alley, sometimes it’s in the garage right off the alley. We rinse cans before they go in, but not obsessively. The OP’s focus on this and her suggesting that they might be the intentional acts of someone who is jealous of her are odd. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/24 "2013-12-05T19:28:59Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Yeah, we don’t clear ours either. Sometimes it’s in the alley, sometimes it’s in the garage right off the alley. We rinse cans before they go in, but not obsessively. > > The OP’s focus on this and her suggesting that they might be the intentional acts of someone who is jealous of her are odd. I haven’t rinsed mine in the 18 years I’ve owned it. It stays in the garage, or at the end of the driveway on garbage day. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/25 "2013-12-05T20:09:32Z")
I can’t imagine any circumstance which would compel me to clean my recycling bin. Who has time for that? ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/26 "2013-12-05T20:41:12Z")
> [@mayaonfiya222](#): > > Seriously, is this as inconsiderate, gross, and **vindictive** as I think? [bolding mine] This really jumped out at me. The fact that you could interpret her actions as vindictive says a lot about you, and unfortunately, what it says isn’t very nice. Perhaps you could use this incident as a wake-up call and take a good long look at yourself and the way you view the world. ---
**Author:** ![AlaskanMatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@AlaskanMatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlaskanMatt)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/27 "2013-12-05T22:02:59Z")
> [@Sahirrnee](#): > > Why would you assume she is jealous because you are dating somebody? > Why would you assume she is sad to spend the holiday alone? > Why would you assume she would behave in such a childish petty manner? > Why would you assume it’s anything more than carelessly throwing trash in a _trash can_? > > She did you a favor, she just didn’t do it to your expectations. Nothing more, nothing less. > > How can anybody leap from _she threw empty cat food cans in my recycle bin without rinsing them out first_ to \*she is jealous and behaving badly towards me because I have a date and holiday plans \*? X2. Seems like making a mountain out of a molehill, and jumping to several weird conclusions in the process. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/28 "2013-12-05T22:09:05Z")
I ask questions like this all the time because I honestly can’t tell what is an accident or hostile spite. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/29 "2013-12-05T22:38:57Z")
I can’t see how I’m getting these responses that make it seem like I’m overreacting. It isn’t a piece of bread. It’s TUNA, which stinks a lot and attracts animals. The recycling bins are right outside of our bedroom windows. I’ve mentioned to her that I sometimes hear animals (like skunks and possums) trying to get into the trash. I’ve also mentioned that it wakes me up at night. I didn’t mind that much that she threw it into my recycling bins. It’s the fact that she could have put them in the plastic bag I gave her and thrown out the leftover food. Maybe I should have given her more plastic bags, but I was in a rush. That’s why I handed her a 20. If you all saw how much OLD tuna was ALL OVER my RECYCLING can, you would most likely be grossed out as well. In addition, as far as why I would think she is jealous of me, she makes nasty/gossipy comments about ANY females who are younger than her. She also looked really pissed (upset maybe?) that I was dating someone when I introduced her to the guy I’ve been dating. I admit that sometimes I don’t completely trust women BEFORE I get to know them, but I’ve known her for a little while and still feel the cattiness from her. I’m not going to mention it to her, but I do still think it was either inconsiderate or intentional. Either way, it’s GROSS, stinks, and is directly outside of my bedroom window. In a New York apartment, I wouldn’t care much because recycling would be many floors below my actual apartment, but when the recycling can is DIRECTLY outside of your bedroom window, it’s gross and starts to smell up the house if you decide to open up your windows. I don’t get how this seems trite. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/30 "2013-12-05T22:44:07Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > You’re not overreacting. I have one of those bins too and they are a real PITA to clean. I cannot reach to the bottom, noway, nohow. It’s why I roll my eyes when (some) dog owners think it’s just fine to throw their poopy bags in my bin; they’re too tall to clean if it breaks open! You have to get out the sprayer! Anyway I would just gently say something to her. “Next time you throw the cat food away, could you just please put it in a bag?” With a smile on your face. Don’t mention a thing about the jealousy or the dating, and in fact, put that out of your mind! It’s more likely just a careless thing: > > Never attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity. > > She more likely just didn’t think. I also have people throw their dog crap in my trash too. It’s disgusting when it sticks to the can! Well, it’s disgusting period. You’re right. I’m going to put it out of my mind. I won’t have to ask her again since I’m moving in a month. The cat got fed. I’ll just forget about it and borrow my neighbor’s hose to clean off the smell. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/31 "2013-12-05T22:49:21Z")
> [@Not\_Carlson](#): > > Words of wisdom. > > Honestly, I’d be really pissed off if this happened to me, and I might even wonder whether she’d done it deliberately, but I’d let it slide without a word. > > Keep the peace. Kumbaya. > > Perhaps next time you ask her to look after your cat, you can give her some plastic bags for the used cans. You’re right. I definitely should have given her some extra plastic bags. I’m going to keep the peace like you mentioned. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/32 "2013-12-05T22:52:18Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Not according to the city of San Diego’s [recycling](http://www.dailydisposal.com/recycling.html) web site. > > All you neighbour is guilt of is putting (possibly) un-rinsed cans in a recycle bin that does in fact accept cans. Not true. The recycling is for recycling and half-eaten FOOD isn’t considered recycling. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/33 "2013-12-05T22:53:59Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > Couldn’t you just lay it on it’s side and crawl in to clean the bottom? Or you could do like I do and leave the lid open when it’s empty and let the rain wash it out. 😃 That’s smart. It’s actually finally been raining here in San Diego. I’m going to try this once it’s empty. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/34 "2013-12-05T22:55:05Z")
> [@UncleRojelio](#): > > I can’t imagine any circumstance which would compel me to clean my recycling bin. Who has time for that? I usually don’t have to make time because there isn’t dirty/old tuna fish all over it. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/35 "2013-12-05T22:56:02Z")
> [@mayaonfiya222](#): > > Maybe I’m just overreacting. Yes. > [@](#): > > What do you think? Was she tuna-attacking me? lol No. But you clearly didn’t come here for opinions, you came here for validation. So I wish you well on that, but I won’t be the one providing it. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2013, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/36 "2013-12-05T23:03:55Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Yes. > > No. > > But you clearly didn’t come here for opinions, you came here for validation. So I wish you well on that, but I won’t be the one providing it. That’s okay, but I’ll be weeping a little since you validating me was really all I wanted out of life lol Get real! I wanted opinions, but from people who actually read/UNDERSTOOD what I was mentioning in my post. It seems like most people didn’t get it at all. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/37 "2013-12-06T00:32:12Z")
Maybe we are jealous. ---
**Author:** ![mayaonfiya222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@mayaonfiya222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mayaonfiya222)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/38 "2013-12-06T00:49:34Z")
So, in the history of the world, there have been no jealous/catty women and I’m just completely delusional? Yeah, okay lol Why when I say that someone may be jealous does it automatically mean that I’m full of myself? I’m younger than her. I’m in a relationship. She’s a divorced woman without many friends who gossips about other women. I’m not a drop-dead gorgeous model, but I can sense cattiness from her. That being said, she may NOT have done it out of spite, but given her overall demeanor with women, I would not put it past her. I’m not going to go on about how horrible it is or even confront her. From now on, I’ll just ask my other neighbor for help when I need it. I know I overreact to things at times, but cleaning that smell out took at least 20 minutes, which is time I don’t have. I just wish people were considerate is all. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/39 "2013-12-06T01:23:29Z")
If she was jealous and catty, why the hell would she volunteer to feed “your” friendly stray cat? ---
**Author:** ![turtlescanfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@turtlescanfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turtlescanfly)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2013, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567/40 "2013-12-06T01:37:52Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Never attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity. +1. I’ll also add another of my favorite sayings: “We wouldn’t worry so much about WHAT people think about us if we realized how seldom they actually DO.” And I’m also with **WhyNot** …this could be some passive/aggressive posturing, but offering to take care of your cat just to be able to cause you a little grief? Seems like a stretch. If she has a problem with you, seems easier to just not offer to help. Your projecting your feeling and motives on her (and stealth bragging besides). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-threw-tuna-fish-in-my-recycling-can/675567.md?page=3)