SOUTH NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Renters at a South Nashville apartment complex say a mounting trash problem has gone unaddressed for weeks, with overflowing garbage piling up outside their homes in conditions they say violate local and state rules.
Tenants at Maple Creek Apartments say four dumpsters recently disappeared from the 108-unit complex — one near the entrance and three near the playground. A single roll-off dumpster replaced them, but residents say it has not been emptied once since it arrived.
"I see pests. Rats, mice, bugs. Things I don't want to live with," said Kyra Baker, one of several renters who reached out about living conditions at the complex.
Metro Nashville cites guidance from the National Solid Wastes Management Association recommending a minimum of eight front-load dumpsters for a complex the size of Maple Creek.
How many dumpsters does your apartment complex need? Find your unit count below.
| No. of housing units | No. and capacity of dumpsters | No. of housing units | No. and capacity of dumpsters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 x 3 cu. yd. | 115 to 128 | 9 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 6 | 1 x 4 cu. yd. | 129 to 142 | 10 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 7 | 1 x 4 cu. yd. | 143 to 157 | 11 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 8 | 1 x 5 cu. yd. | 158 to 171 | 12 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 9 | 1 x 6 cu. yd. | 172 to 185 | 13 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 10 | 1 x 6 cu. yd. | 186 to 200 | 14 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 11 to 14 | 1 x 8 cu. yd. | 201 to 214 | 15 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 15 to 28 | 2 x 8 cu. yd. | 215 to 228 | 16 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 29 to 42 | 3 x 8 cu. yd. | 229 to 242 | 17 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 43 to 57 | 4 x 8 cu. yd. | 243 to 257 | 18 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 58 to 71 | 5 x 8 cu. yd. | 258 to 271 | 19 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 72 to 85 | 6 x 8 cu. yd. | 272 to 285 | 20 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 86 to 100 | 7 x 8 cu. yd. | 286 to 300 | 21 x 8 cu. yd. |
| 101 to 114 | 8 x 8 cu. yd. | ||
| Source: Metro Nashville Waste Services Waste Management Policies, SW1-3.F. Based on National Solid Wastes Management Association guidance. | |||
See the highlighted row? That's where Maple Creek Apartments falls. At 108 units, the complex should have at least 8 dumpsters — each holding 8 cubic yards — for once-a-week pickup.
"It's a constant battle. We are paying way too much in rent to be dealing with these problems," said Deleshia Booker, another tenant at the complex.
Metro Codes records show the property received a notice to fix the problem in June. A reinspection is scheduled for July 15.
Property records show Maple Creek TN LLC owns the complex, which is registered to TAMRAK, a real estate investment firm based in New York. I reached out to TAMRAK's president by phone and email and am waiting for a response.
I also walked into the leasing office to ask questions. The regional manager was present. She said trash pickup is scheduled for this week and that they are waiting on parts for the dumpsters.
"I don't understand what the problem is. They want us to pay rent on time, but everything that we're asking for it's... 'Over my head,' 'call the news,' 'call codes,'" Booker said.
Neighbors say they will believe it when they see it, adding they have been waiting a long time to feel heard.
"I'm glad to say I have a roof over my head. But this isn't a home for me or my children," Baker said.
Another tenant sent a text saying trash at the front of the complex had been put into Hefty bags on Tuesday, but it still had not been picked up. Several maintenance workers were also recently laid off and say they are still waiting to get paid.
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