Two Inquirer reporters chatted to answer this week’s question…

Someone keeps putting half-empty iced coffee cups on my steps. How do I stop this without putting up a passive-aggressive sign?

Abigail Covington, Life & Culture Reporter

How about just an aggressive sign? Something to the point like, “Hey! Stop leaving your iced coffee here.”

Earl Hopkins, Arts & Entertainment Reporter

Right! Put your half-empty cups in the trash or recycling bin, and stop treating my property like a personal landfill.

And here’s an important detail to put on the sign: Make sure it’s YOUR recycling and trash bin, and not MINE.

Abigail Covington

I guess it depends on who is leaving their cups behind. Is it a neighbor? A stranger? Lots of people or just the same person over and over again?

Before you break out your paint and cardboard, maybe take a walk around the block and see if it’s happening to other people. Talk to your neighbors. You might not be the only one.

Earl Hopkins

True! It may be worth starting a community group to crack down on the littering. We’re more powerful together than separate, so I support the neighbor-to-neighbor discussion.

Abigail Covington

I will say, I also think part of city living is accepting that your stoop or steps are public spaces. You’re right next to the street. I think it’d be different if someone was walking up your lawn and leaving their coffee cup on your steps.

Earl Hopkins

City life or not, I think leaving trash on people’s property is a no go. It doesn’t matter where you’re at. Once it crosses property lines, it’s a problem in my eyes.

Abigail Covington

What about just putting out a trash can or a recycling can on your steps? See if they use it.

Or, take it a step further, and put out a fresh carafe of iced coffee with a perfectly pleasant sign. “You seem like you need a refill.”

You aren’t solving your problem at all, but you are being a nice person. And the universe may reward you for that later on.

Earl Hopkins

Anything is better than watching people pass your steps from a Ring camera all day. If pleasantry is the answer, then so be it. :)

Abigail Covington

Yeah, just talk to your neighbors. Figure out if it’s happening to other people, and take collective action.