More recycling changes

How long has it been since we were first asked to recycle? We began with a two bag system – black for garbage, blue for recycling and a bucket for compost. My kitchen was a little more crowded, but we were actively contributing to the betterment of our environment.

Then we were asked to separate our recyclables and change the color of our bags. Now we have a black bag for garbage, a clear bag for paper, and a clear bag for plastics etc…. and a compost bucket. The kitchen was getting a little more crowded and the wallet was shelling out a little more money. Clear bags cost more than black bags. Waste Check asked retail stores to start carrying a variety of choices in clear bags as the consumer demand would increase with the latest policy change.

Now we are being asked to divide our garbage. Clear bags must be used with the exception of allowing one black bag of garbage per household, every second week, for our “unmentionable� garbage. To make matters more complicated, we are not to use grocery bags for garbage any longer. My kitchen is stretched to the limit, my wallet is strained, and my patience has run out. As any shopper will tell you – retail stores have not provided us with a variety of clear bag choices. The cost of purchasing clear bags is still higher than that of black bags. What is to become of the black bag stock pile that many people and business’ already have?

On top of all this our garbage will be subject to inspection by the “garbage police�. I have visions of garbage police showing up after a fine evening of entertaining and leaving me with a hefty fine because my garbage is not as neatly sorted as usual. Do I even dare to invite guests to stay for a week or two; my garbage bag allowance may not be enough to handle the extra people in my home.

Those of us that recycle properly do not need a clear bag to prove it. Those who do not recycle will just find another way to dispose of their unsorted garbage. Perhaps they’ll drop it off in front of your house and then you can pay the fine written up by the garbage police!





Susan Surette

Darlings Lake