Garbage and privacy matters

We all got our flyers last week that clarify the changes that are expected in dealing with our household waste. Ours was placed strategically on the refrigerator. I thought little more about it until I stopped into the pharmacy. There was a discussion about personal hygiene products like Attends and how it would distress some people if they were placed in clear bags for "all the world to see."

There was also the issue of disposable pads that are used with bedding, bandages, etc. Comments such as "this is a privacy issue," and one that would not be as critical in a metro area. We have all heard it said that if you sneeze at one end of the community someone at the other end will ask you about your cold. One black/green personal bag a collection cycle is not enough for some to properly dispose of these items if they used them in an optimum healthy manner.

Incontinence is one of those very frustrating and private concerns, a problem they would rather not have "broadcast through the biweekly garbage collection." Incontinence is a symptom of something else going on in the body and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. It may be the result of a disease process such as multiple sclerosis, a birth defect, weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, injuries from an accident, the side effect of medications or surgery, the natural enlargement of the prostate gland as men age, or the loss of estrogen which women experience.

According to the Canadian Continence Foundation, there are over 3.3 million Canadians experiencing urinary incontinence. Through the natural ageing process this number is increasing. The foundation, established in 1986, has as its mandate "to raise public awareness and bring the topic of incontinence ‘out of the closet’” and "to encourage consumers to seek help from a healthcare professional and not suffer in silence."

Despite the advances in treatment through medication, exercise and surgery, there still remains a very real need for protection products. The development of discrete and comfortable undergarments has helped many to participate more fully in our community. Without this disposable product some would feel it necessary to remain cloistered in their homes. This would be very unfortunate.

It goes without saying we need to work harder to divert material from our landfills for our future generations. I truly believe that we are on the right track with our recycling and composting efforts. However, there is also an element of reason that must prevail. That is the message I heard when I called and asked the question "what about the person who cannot accept that they are experiencing this very common problem?" The people who manage our sanitation are understanding and compassionate. They welcome questions and encourage you to express your concerns constructively. I am confident that Waste Check will no doubt be developing a strategy to deal with this issue.