I have that trashcan bullshit too. I don't even use it, it's too small. Other neighbors were leaving theirs outside though so I do too since it wastes space inside.

So a court or any institution made up of Americans would support the apartment in extorting me with dishonest fines.

Yup. I got evicted because the last apartment complex didn't want to fix the AC. Judge just rubber stamped it despite the apartment having an obligation to provide AC as a safety issue, and retaliation is supposed to be illegal.