While sanitation workers can be "forward" when it come to holiday tips ( I had one that always stopped by at holiday season to remind us so). I took his name and badge number and reported him to his supervisor and he never came by again.

As regarding violations, the city goes into blitz mode when it needs money and agents write tickets as do police, traffic wardens etc. Just be extra careful and vigilant when you are putting items out for collection. Proveing that you are being singled out can be difficult. I would keep a log of such events, when you received a summons, why? did the other buildings on your block get fines etc?

Hope this was helpful,
MRM