Markland Woods Condominiums has developed certain procedures and policies that govern the way services are handled at the property. Here are a few details about the property that may be helpful.

GARBAGE

Unlike most other complexes, Markland Woods operates its own trash compactor which is emptied once a month. This gives our maintenance people the flexibility of emptying the tan garbage dumpsters more often than once a week, which is the regular garbage pickup pickup schedule for Waste Management, which handles waste disposal for the City of Mountlake Terrace.

Operating our own trash compactor saves the community a lot of money each month, but there are rules to follow.

  • There are restrictions on what items can go into the garbage:

  • Household garbage only

  • No renovation materials

  • No car parts

  • No hazardous materials (engine oil, gasoline, rechargeable batteries, etc.)

  • All garbage must be bagged

  • Dog poop and kitty litter must be double bagged

  • There is a limit on how much can go into the garbage dumpsters

  • The lids need to be able to close

  • When the trash compactor is full, no more garbage can be dumped in until WM (our waste management company) comes and empties it.

  • Weather conditions or required trash compactor repairs can disrupt the garbage pickup schedule.

    The photo above shows what happens when residents ignore the requirements. This leads to rodent, raccoon, and crow problems, and creates a major hazard for the crews who have to handle and dispose of the garbage. This also leads to extra costs which are paid for by the owners.

WM also handles our recycling, which is collected once a week (as of 1/1/2026, every Tuesday).

WM has restrictions on what can go into the recycling bins, and how much can be put into the bins.

RECYCLING

  • These are the restrictions on what items can go into the recycling bin.

  • Recycling guidelines are set by WM, not the Association.

  • There is a limit on how much can go into the recycling bin.

  • The lids need to completely close. Recycling must be dry when placed in the bins.

  • If non-recyclable materials (especially PLASTIC BAGS) go into the recycling bin, WM IS CHARGING US A CONTAMINATION FEE per bin. Be sure to ONLY put approved recyclables into the bins.

  • Weather conditions and Waste Management internal issues can disrupt the recycling pickup schedule.

    The photo shows what happens when residents ignore the requirements. Everything above was dumped into either garbage or recycling, which was pulled out by crews and taken to the dump by a contractor with a truck large enough to handle the load. Dump runs are paid for by the owners.

GREENBELTS

Markland Woods is surrounded by green space, contains sections of Lyon Creek and North Lyon Creek, and includes an unpaved trail between the upper and middle levels of the property.

Lyon Creek is in the Lake Washington water shed, and it is the Association’s responsibility to maintain these areas and the surrounding Lyon Creek Watershed according to city and county ordinances. That means certain activities are either prohibited entirely or are highly restricted. ‍ ‍

Prohibited:

  • No vehicle maintenance is allowed anywhere on the property if it involves the possibility of any type of fluid spill. This includes changing batteries, topping up or changing any fluids, and any type of engine work, brake work, transmission work, or other work on vehicle components that contain or may be covered in some type of fluid, oil, or other liquid or semi-liquid substance that may escape the vehicle.

  • Oil leaks must be cleaned up by the vehicle owner according to standard hazardous waste cleanup protocols. The COA may be able to arrange for cleanup at the vehicle owner’s sole expense.

  • No vehicle washing is allowed anywhere on the property. Soap runs down the drains and into the creeks.

  • Recreational use of the creek areas is prohibited. The swales are maintained to city standards and recreational use can damage them.

  • No fires of any kind are allowed.

  • Smoking is not allowed in any Critical Habitat Area.

    Restricted:

  • The trail is open from dawn to dusk only. There is no lighting available on the path.

  • The trail is for pedestrian use only. No bicycles or other types of wheeled recreational equipment are allowed.

  • Anything that comes from the greenbelt needs to stay in the greenbelt. Please don’t gather branches or other materials and remove them from the area.

  • Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times.

  • Dog feces must be picked up (carry your own bags, please) and disposed of at one of the garbage bins around the property.

    *****

The greenbelt areas are inspected frequently and damage not only costs money for repairs, the damage may result in fines from the city or county.

AS OF 2026:

There have always been rats on this property, but due to very mild winters in 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, the rat population increased throughout Mountlake Terrace.

  • Stay on established paths.

  • There are rat tunnels located in ivy-covered areas off the trail. If you wander off the trail you are likely to step into one.

USE OF THE TRAIL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

PETS

Pets make life at Markland Woods a lot more interesting!

For the safety and well-being of you, your pet, and the other pets and residents living here, there are certain rules that need to be followed.

Also, pets need to be registered with Port Gardner Management.

The pets thank you!

For the Pet Registration Form click here:

For a copy of the Pet Rules, click here:

If you have questions about the rules or registering your pet(s) contact the board or Tom Gish, Jr.

marklandwoodsboard@googlegroups.com

TGish@portgardnermgmt.com