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In San Pablo, California, what started as a routine dumpster rental quickly turned into a viral spectacle, as a local resident found themselves at the center of a payment dispute that culminated in a surprising turn of events. A neighbor’s surveillance camera captured the unfolding drama, which has since gained widespread attention online.
The incident involved Martin Perez, the proprietor of Express Rental Dumpster, who found himself in a difficult position after a customer allegedly failed to pay a $700 bill. According to Perez, the customer had repeatedly promised to settle the outstanding amount but then vacated the premises without fulfilling their obligation.
Feeling exasperated and out of options, Perez made the contentious decision to return the debris to the customer’s property. “We don’t want to do it, but I’m tired,” he explained, reflecting on the situation that left him with few alternatives.
In an interview with KGO, the ABC affiliate in San Francisco, Perez shared his side of the story. “We tried to collect the payment. The payment declined,” he stated, underscoring the frustration of his attempts to resolve the matter amicably.
“We tried to collect the payment. The payment declined,” he said.
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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?”
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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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