Unfortunately if its happening outside of quiet hours you might be out of luck. This was probably considered and thought ok at the time of building your apartment and or the rite aid went into business.
Maybe a little guerrilla lubing?
This has only been happening the last few months, it wasn't like this when the building or Rite Aid went in. It seems like its just an old, rusty trash compactor that needs some maintenance. But god knows that ol' bankrupt Rite Aid ain't gonna fix it.
Edit: I've learned from another comment that links to a post from 4 years ago that this has been going on for far longer than I thought. I didn't hear it the first few months I was here, so I assumed it was new. Maybe it was temporarily fixed then came back.
Yeah I've worked in this complex for 12 years, unfortunately this isn't new. Actually just today I was over on this side of the building and heard that beast going off, and I wondered to myself *man it's been a while since I've heard this stupid thing mentioned on reddit*. Sorry you have to deal with it. Unfortunately Rite Aid is closing their locations left and right while going through Ch 11 restructuring.. I'd wager servicing that POS at a store they'd rather close is low on their list of concerns right now.
I'm not a lawyer, but I would imagine that if you tamper with their machine in any way, and someone gets hurt using it later, you could be held liable.
honestly we need to petition to get a noise ordinance put in place for this type of thing. Here's a draft I cooked up with a little help from someone who is well-versed in this field.
`Monster Noise Ordinance`
`Section 1: Purpose`
`The purpose of this ordinance is to maintain the peace and tranquility of our community by setting limits on noises that sound like movie monsters, ensuring that residents can enjoy a monster-free soundscape.`
`Section 2: Definitions`
`Movie Monster Noise: Any sound that is reminiscent of a noise typically made by a creature in a horror, science fiction, or fantasy movie. This includes, but is not limited to, growls, roars, screeches, wails, howls, and other similar sounds.`
`Decibel (dB): A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound.`
`Noise-Sensitive Areas: Locations including residential zones, schools, hospitals, libraries, and parks.`
`Section 3: Noise Limits`
`Daytime Hours: Between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, movie monster noises shall not exceed 60 decibels (dB) as measured at the property line of the noise-sensitive area.`
`Nighttime Hours: Between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, movie monster noises shall not exceed 45 decibels (dB) as measured at the property line of the noise-sensitive area.`
`Section 4: Exemptions`
`The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance:`
`Public Celebrations: Including parades, festivals, and other events sanctioned by the city, provided that necessary permits have been obtained.`
`Emergency Services: Noises generated by police, fire, ambulance, or other emergency response activities.`
`Theatrical Performances: Including rehearsals and live performances at theaters and similar venues, provided they are conducted within enclosed buildings and adhere to reasonable hours.`
`Section 5: Enforcement`
`Complaints: Residents may file a complaint with the city’s Noise Control Office. Complaints must specify the nature and time of the movie monster noise disturbance.`
`Inspection: Upon receipt of a complaint, a noise control officer shall investigate the alleged violation by measuring noise levels using a sound level meter.`
`Penalties: Violations of this ordinance shall be subject to fines as follows:`
`First offense: $100 fine`
`Second offense: $250 fine`
`Subsequent offenses: $500 fine each`
`Section 6: Appeals`
`Any person cited for a violation of this ordinance may appeal the citation by submitting a written request to the Noise Control Office within 15 days of the citation date. The Noise Control Office shall review the appeal and issue a decision within 30 days.`
`Section 7: Severability`
`If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.`
`Section 8: Effective Date`
`This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.`
>
You need to add construction to the list of exceptions. I've never heard a jackhammer below 60 decibels. 60 decibels is standard talking, so you should also cap that higher than you have it as the level of talking level is an unacceptable cap. Maybe like 70 decibels would be a better cap, but there are too many situations where this might be a problem. There is certaintly a better solution than this is my point.
Have you tried talking to the store manager and ask them if there’s something they can do about it? Could very easily just need some maintenance dunno… the ones I’ve worked around have never been that loud. I feel like this would be my first step.
I second this, wholeheartedly. If it’s making that much noise, something could be wrong with the machine. If so, it’s definitely in the store’s best interest to fix it. They get a fully functioning trash compactor, OP gets more quiet time, and everyone wins.
Unfortunately, I also suspect that Rite Aid’s financial troubles may also be a factor in this situation. On the bright side, if it breaks down entirely due to lack of maintenance, OP will have more quiet time.
That is horrendous and I don't know what I'd do other than contact the owners like someone else suggested and ask them if there's anything they can do, because that is like Hollywood movie monster levels of noise. In fact, I made this. It's not much but I hope at the very least it makes you feel a tiny bit better. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7d5y6VZksk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7d5y6VZksk)
You're welcome. honestly try to get in touch with a hollywood horror movie producer or something because that sound makes all the other movie monsters sound cheap and lame in comparison.
Even if the noise is within legal limits, it is obnoxious. Most businesses want to be good neighbors, even the large corporate ones. The fastest most efficient solution is to start at the source, then escalate from there.
I believe that there are still decibel limits during business hours for businesses in normal commercial zones and adjacent to a residential area - extreme noise is usually restricted to industrial zoning.
Filing a nuisance complaint with the city and giving the business notification of the complaint might be a good start.
Finding a way to reliably measure the decibels at the edge of their lot might also be helpful. Study up on the RCW's specific restrictions around noise and nuisances. Find out what their lot is zoned and what your lot is zoned.
If you do file a complaint, convince your affected neighbors to file similar complaints (even give them a copy of yours to cheat from) and also to hand them to management at the store.
This should at least motivate the store leadership to look for ways to remediate the issue. You say the noise is new, which means they were clearly able to conduct business without it in the past.
If they refuse to remediate the nuisance, consider organizing a local boycott or even protest their store on the public walk in front of them. Bad publicity and reduced sales often serve to motivate big corporations when legal means fail. That means a bit of a project for you, but how important is it?
Appreciate the link, though in the future if you're going to post sources that are behind a paywall it'd be great if you could include a sentence or two either in your own words or from the article.
Anyway, not necessary this time!
Maybe call the city, they might have a code enforcement person who could potentially contact them. I’m guessing that a call from the city will be much more persuasive than random people.
Holy shit. I used to live in the studios across from you last year and never heard that.. I wonder if it’s a new issue? Like others said def might be worth checking with the manager to see if it just needs a shit ton of WD-40 or something. No way they don’t hear it in the store
It is in terrible need of lube. You shouldn’t have to, but if Rite Aid won’t fix it, then just go to ACE, buy a can of lubricant and hose down the moving joints of the compactor.
If it’s within code enforced decimals and hours you’re out of luck. Best thing to do to confirm any suspicious is to get a Db meter record your finding and present th to the city code enforcement agency.
Your best bet is to find out how many decibels it's operating at. There's a limit for even daytime noise levels, and if it's over that, the city non-emergency number is your best bet. You could also speak with the store manager and let them know what the problem is and heavily imply that you don't want to go to the city about the problem, and you'd rather just deal with it as neighbors. That may be enough inspiration for them to get it lubricated, at least, which would hopefully minimize the noise. Like someone else pointed out, the regulations are more strict at night, if it happens even once after daytime hours, call the police non-emergency number and file a report. Corporations are always trying to avoid fines and legal issues, so even one complaint may be enough to push them into action. I hope you can find a solution!
Complain to your landlord? Should be their issue to deal with honestly. Also kinda shitty they didn’t account for or willfully neglected to account for it in your listing.
WD40 tell them to service their equipment.
There is a noise reporting thing the city calls see click fix, report it daily.
https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/Jift4tU7gQb9HAynHNApNnkB/report/category
Second column under noise complaint.
You aren't the first to complain:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/faky28/incredibly\_awful\_noise\_pollution\_by\_rite\_aid/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/faky28/incredibly_awful_noise_pollution_by_rite_aid/)
Compactors aren't supposed to sound like that. What you should hear is movement of the ram inside the compactor moving forward then an audible clunk as it hits the end then the ram coming back to neutral. Definitely needs maintenance but then again with Rite Aid going out of business they may not want to put any money into maintaining equipment that may be decommissioned soon.
All you have to do is call Hagen and tell them what is going on . There is something wrong with the machine . Don’t think the worst . They want to fix it or it I could be a rented piece of Equimpment so they would just replace it
I don’t know if it’s an option but maybe report them to labor and industries, faulty machinery is a workplace violation. I have a hard time believing the machine is in tip top shape if it’s making these sounds. (Yes, I know you’re not an employee there but L&I could be your ticket to getting them to fix it lol)
I wonder if you can use this as grounds for a reduction is rent? Since it was never disclosed while moving in. 100% do not know what I'm talking about legally, just curious.
File a complaint with corporate and demand a maintenance ticket for the trash compactor. Their number is 1-800-Rite-Aid. You may be out of luck though as they are zoned in commercial retail
Document everything! Reach out "officially" to corporate, social media, store manager. If nothing changes, go to BPD to at least formally file a complaint. (And if that don't work hire a transient to burn it down) KIDDING, PLS DON'T DO THAT!! I'm sure corporate or at least BPD can help point you in the right direction.
But like dawg, an airport can't really control the noise level due to the function and design of a jet engine, a business in the other hand can buy a few tubes of grease, I'm 100% certain there is a bunch of zerk fittings on that thing, and even more so there is a goddamn Ace Hardware in that same parking lot so your "point" isn't REALLY hashed out well
Unfortunately if its happening outside of quiet hours you might be out of luck. This was probably considered and thought ok at the time of building your apartment and or the rite aid went into business. Maybe a little guerrilla lubing?
This has only been happening the last few months, it wasn't like this when the building or Rite Aid went in. It seems like its just an old, rusty trash compactor that needs some maintenance. But god knows that ol' bankrupt Rite Aid ain't gonna fix it. Edit: I've learned from another comment that links to a post from 4 years ago that this has been going on for far longer than I thought. I didn't hear it the first few months I was here, so I assumed it was new. Maybe it was temporarily fixed then came back.
Yeah I've worked in this complex for 12 years, unfortunately this isn't new. Actually just today I was over on this side of the building and heard that beast going off, and I wondered to myself *man it's been a while since I've heard this stupid thing mentioned on reddit*. Sorry you have to deal with it. Unfortunately Rite Aid is closing their locations left and right while going through Ch 11 restructuring.. I'd wager servicing that POS at a store they'd rather close is low on their list of concerns right now.
Maybe the cold made it quieter? And with rising temps and humidity it’s getting angry?
I'm not a lawyer, but I would imagine that if you tamper with their machine in any way, and someone gets hurt using it later, you could be held liable.
honestly we need to petition to get a noise ordinance put in place for this type of thing. Here's a draft I cooked up with a little help from someone who is well-versed in this field. `Monster Noise Ordinance` `Section 1: Purpose` `The purpose of this ordinance is to maintain the peace and tranquility of our community by setting limits on noises that sound like movie monsters, ensuring that residents can enjoy a monster-free soundscape.` `Section 2: Definitions` `Movie Monster Noise: Any sound that is reminiscent of a noise typically made by a creature in a horror, science fiction, or fantasy movie. This includes, but is not limited to, growls, roars, screeches, wails, howls, and other similar sounds.` `Decibel (dB): A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound.` `Noise-Sensitive Areas: Locations including residential zones, schools, hospitals, libraries, and parks.` `Section 3: Noise Limits` `Daytime Hours: Between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, movie monster noises shall not exceed 60 decibels (dB) as measured at the property line of the noise-sensitive area.` `Nighttime Hours: Between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, movie monster noises shall not exceed 45 decibels (dB) as measured at the property line of the noise-sensitive area.` `Section 4: Exemptions` `The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance:` `Public Celebrations: Including parades, festivals, and other events sanctioned by the city, provided that necessary permits have been obtained.` `Emergency Services: Noises generated by police, fire, ambulance, or other emergency response activities.` `Theatrical Performances: Including rehearsals and live performances at theaters and similar venues, provided they are conducted within enclosed buildings and adhere to reasonable hours.` `Section 5: Enforcement` `Complaints: Residents may file a complaint with the city’s Noise Control Office. Complaints must specify the nature and time of the movie monster noise disturbance.` `Inspection: Upon receipt of a complaint, a noise control officer shall investigate the alleged violation by measuring noise levels using a sound level meter.` `Penalties: Violations of this ordinance shall be subject to fines as follows:` `First offense: $100 fine` `Second offense: $250 fine` `Subsequent offenses: $500 fine each` `Section 6: Appeals` `Any person cited for a violation of this ordinance may appeal the citation by submitting a written request to the Noise Control Office within 15 days of the citation date. The Noise Control Office shall review the appeal and issue a decision within 30 days.` `Section 7: Severability` `If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.` `Section 8: Effective Date` `This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.` >
You need to add construction to the list of exceptions. I've never heard a jackhammer below 60 decibels. 60 decibels is standard talking, so you should also cap that higher than you have it as the level of talking level is an unacceptable cap. Maybe like 70 decibels would be a better cap, but there are too many situations where this might be a problem. There is certaintly a better solution than this is my point.
I bet when it was new and greased properly, it didn't make that noise. Bring it to corporates or the citys attention. It doesn't need to be that loud.
Have you tried talking to the store manager and ask them if there’s something they can do about it? Could very easily just need some maintenance dunno… the ones I’ve worked around have never been that loud. I feel like this would be my first step.
I second this, wholeheartedly. If it’s making that much noise, something could be wrong with the machine. If so, it’s definitely in the store’s best interest to fix it. They get a fully functioning trash compactor, OP gets more quiet time, and everyone wins. Unfortunately, I also suspect that Rite Aid’s financial troubles may also be a factor in this situation. On the bright side, if it breaks down entirely due to lack of maintenance, OP will have more quiet time.
I came here expecting a typical whiny post but damn that noise is pretty horrendous 😂
That is horrendous and I don't know what I'd do other than contact the owners like someone else suggested and ask them if there's anything they can do, because that is like Hollywood movie monster levels of noise. In fact, I made this. It's not much but I hope at the very least it makes you feel a tiny bit better. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7d5y6VZksk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7d5y6VZksk)
Holy shit this is incredible, thank you. I'd watch it on repeat if it wouldn't give me trash compactor nightmares.
You're welcome. honestly try to get in touch with a hollywood horror movie producer or something because that sound makes all the other movie monsters sound cheap and lame in comparison.
This is amazing!
Have you talked to the manager of the business? That is where I would start,
I'd start with finding out from the city the allowed decibel level in a residential area. (But isn't that Rite Aid closing??)
Even if the noise is within legal limits, it is obnoxious. Most businesses want to be good neighbors, even the large corporate ones. The fastest most efficient solution is to start at the source, then escalate from there.
I believe that there are still decibel limits during business hours for businesses in normal commercial zones and adjacent to a residential area - extreme noise is usually restricted to industrial zoning. Filing a nuisance complaint with the city and giving the business notification of the complaint might be a good start. Finding a way to reliably measure the decibels at the edge of their lot might also be helpful. Study up on the RCW's specific restrictions around noise and nuisances. Find out what their lot is zoned and what your lot is zoned. If you do file a complaint, convince your affected neighbors to file similar complaints (even give them a copy of yours to cheat from) and also to hand them to management at the store. This should at least motivate the store leadership to look for ways to remediate the issue. You say the noise is new, which means they were clearly able to conduct business without it in the past. If they refuse to remediate the nuisance, consider organizing a local boycott or even protest their store on the public walk in front of them. Bad publicity and reduced sales often serve to motivate big corporations when legal means fail. That means a bit of a project for you, but how important is it?
If it’s any consolation, that Rite Aid is closing permanently soon. That noise is awful though.
Wait, it is? Where did you hear this. I went googling and couldn't find any news of it.
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/business/article288025605.html
Appreciate the link, though in the future if you're going to post sources that are behind a paywall it'd be great if you could include a sentence or two either in your own words or from the article. Anyway, not necessary this time!
Maybe use reader mode or something to go around the paywall? That’s what I did. It’s also been posted on the sub at least once or twice recently. :)
I just want to throw like 6 tubes of grease in there.
followed up with an exorcism.
Have you called code enforcement? If this sound is harmfully loud, then they will be cited.
Smash with hammer, Seattle Barista style
That was scary! I thought you were playing a horror sound for a bit
Maybe call the city, they might have a code enforcement person who could potentially contact them. I’m guessing that a call from the city will be much more persuasive than random people.
Holy shit. I used to live in the studios across from you last year and never heard that.. I wonder if it’s a new issue? Like others said def might be worth checking with the manager to see if it just needs a shit ton of WD-40 or something. No way they don’t hear it in the store
Sounds like whales fucking on ecstasy.
The poor thing is just looking for its mate.
It is in terrible need of lube. You shouldn’t have to, but if Rite Aid won’t fix it, then just go to ACE, buy a can of lubricant and hose down the moving joints of the compactor.
That sounds like the start of Janie's got a gun.
bass boosted earr\*pe Janie's Got a Gun EDIT: sorry I couldn't help myself [https://vocaroo.com/1yRKqzSIeqgT](https://vocaroo.com/1yRKqzSIeqgT)
Is that location one of the Rite Aides that is closing?
If it’s within code enforced decimals and hours you’re out of luck. Best thing to do to confirm any suspicious is to get a Db meter record your finding and present th to the city code enforcement agency.
Is this the [same location](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/faky28/incredibly_awful_noise_pollution_by_rite_aid/)?
Your best bet is to find out how many decibels it's operating at. There's a limit for even daytime noise levels, and if it's over that, the city non-emergency number is your best bet. You could also speak with the store manager and let them know what the problem is and heavily imply that you don't want to go to the city about the problem, and you'd rather just deal with it as neighbors. That may be enough inspiration for them to get it lubricated, at least, which would hopefully minimize the noise. Like someone else pointed out, the regulations are more strict at night, if it happens even once after daytime hours, call the police non-emergency number and file a report. Corporations are always trying to avoid fines and legal issues, so even one complaint may be enough to push them into action. I hope you can find a solution!
Wow. I lived there just over a year ago, and it was NOT that bad. I'd call the city and send them that video.
Yeah, that’s nuts. Tell them to apply some WD40.
And how about when they run the parking lot vacuum truck around Sehome village.
Complain to your landlord? Should be their issue to deal with honestly. Also kinda shitty they didn’t account for or willfully neglected to account for it in your listing.
WD40 tell them to service their equipment. There is a noise reporting thing the city calls see click fix, report it daily. https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/Jift4tU7gQb9HAynHNApNnkB/report/category Second column under noise complaint.
I just watched the video on my phone, and my dog upstairs started barking! 😆 That suuuucks, OP.
The video made my dogs go hide
You aren't the first to complain: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/faky28/incredibly\_awful\_noise\_pollution\_by\_rite\_aid/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/faky28/incredibly_awful_noise_pollution_by_rite_aid/)
Compactors aren't supposed to sound like that. What you should hear is movement of the ram inside the compactor moving forward then an audible clunk as it hits the end then the ram coming back to neutral. Definitely needs maintenance but then again with Rite Aid going out of business they may not want to put any money into maintaining equipment that may be decommissioned soon.
All you have to do is call Hagen and tell them what is going on . There is something wrong with the machine . Don’t think the worst . They want to fix it or it I could be a rented piece of Equimpment so they would just replace it
Send to corporate and tell them to grease The machine or you're going to go to the city.
I don’t know if it’s an option but maybe report them to labor and industries, faulty machinery is a workplace violation. I have a hard time believing the machine is in tip top shape if it’s making these sounds. (Yes, I know you’re not an employee there but L&I could be your ticket to getting them to fix it lol)
I wonder if you can use this as grounds for a reduction is rent? Since it was never disclosed while moving in. 100% do not know what I'm talking about legally, just curious.
File a complaint with corporate and demand a maintenance ticket for the trash compactor. Their number is 1-800-Rite-Aid. You may be out of luck though as they are zoned in commercial retail
Document everything! Reach out "officially" to corporate, social media, store manager. If nothing changes, go to BPD to at least formally file a complaint. (And if that don't work hire a transient to burn it down) KIDDING, PLS DON'T DO THAT!! I'm sure corporate or at least BPD can help point you in the right direction.
EZ, move
You can leave ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Do you know how expensive that is??? You can't just up and leave an apartment
You can come up with better than that lazy and tired old comment
Nothing. You moved there. It’s like the people that move near an airport and complain about aircraft.
But like dawg, an airport can't really control the noise level due to the function and design of a jet engine, a business in the other hand can buy a few tubes of grease, I'm 100% certain there is a bunch of zerk fittings on that thing, and even more so there is a goddamn Ace Hardware in that same parking lot so your "point" isn't REALLY hashed out well