DianeM, I agree with you. However, I could have told you posting anything on here about people not obeying the "rules" would open you up to ridicule.....oh well.
I seem to recall, at our orientation meeting, going over things like clear bags for recycling, garbage out at dusk (or something like that), breaking down cardboard boxes, etc. I even called the garbage service to make sure what/when I was supposed to do. The man I talked to told me it's pretty much impossible to get the people here to do as they have been asked about the trash. People always brag about the pristine appearance of TV, then immediately decide those rules, or suggestions, don't apply to THEM. Some of our neighbors don't even use plastic bags all the time. I have seen garbage and recycling actually tied together instead of in a bag.
One of the garbage pick up guys said often the garbage and recyling are both in white, or other colored bags, including store bags. They cannot make the call as to which is which, even if they can see obviously recylable items....can't know for sure some of it isn't trash, so if not using a clear bag, it just goes in the garbage.
My garbage/trash always goes in a dark bag and recycling goes in a clear bag on seperate sides of the drive-way.......just as we were asked to do....and nothing goes out before dark. I feel better doing it right, but that's just me!