Apartment Residents Warned After Complaints of People Throwing Food and Oil Off Balconies
GEORGIA — A community manager’s email has gone viral after residents of an apartment complex were sternly warned to stop tossing food and cooking oil off their balconies — a message that shocked many online who couldn’t believe such a reminder was necessary.
The email, shared by a resident under the username Redhood101101 on Reddit, began with an exasperated tone: “I can’t believe I have to send this email… please DO NOT throw oil or food off your balcony! That’s what the dumpsters and compactor are for!” It continued with a warning that residents were making animals ill and attracting unwanted pests toward the buildings.
Residents and Viewers React to the Viral Message
The post quickly gained traction on the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, drawing thousands of reactions from people across the country. “Who does this? I just can’t imagine living next to someone tossing leftovers off their balcony,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “The fact that management had to write that means it’s happened more than once.”
The image of the email — written in bold text with a frustrated tone — struck a nerve with tenants everywhere who said they’ve dealt with similar situations. Some apartment managers even chimed in, confirming that careless waste disposal is more common than people think.
Serious Health and Sanitation Risks Highlighted
Public health experts warn that discarding food from balconies can cause more than just bad smells. Rotting waste attracts rodents, insects, and wild animals that can spread disease. Oil, when poured or splashed over the edge, can also damage building surfaces and pose slip hazards.
“This isn’t just an etiquette issue — it’s a real health and safety concern,” said Dr. Maria Benson, a housing and sanitation specialist. “Improper waste disposal can quickly turn into a pest control problem for the entire complex.”
Several commenters mentioned that their own buildings had to hire pest control companies after residents disposed of food improperly, noting that it often leads to higher rent or maintenance fees.
An actual email sent by my apartment complex
byu/Redhood101101 inmildlyinfuriating
Apartment Living Comes with Shared Responsibility
While the email’s tone amused many online, others agreed that such messages reflect a growing issue — a lack of basic responsibility in shared living spaces. Apartment managers say that when one person behaves carelessly, everyone in the building suffers the consequences.
“This email might sound funny, but it’s a reminder of how important respect for shared spaces really is,” one commenter noted. “No one wants raccoons on their balcony or grease dripping from above.”
The viral message has since sparked a wave of online discussions about common-sense community behavior — and how some people still need reminders about the basics of cleanliness.
Have you ever witnessed strange or inconsiderate behavior in your apartment complex? Share your story and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
