"Police officers put the badge on every morning, not knowing for sure if they'll come home at night to take it off."
~Tom Cotton

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A case for automation


This was my trash barrel.

Fortunately, I've one barrel left, but this how they usually end. If the trash man doesn't leave it in the road, the wind will carry the barrel into the road. Either way, someone (driving too fast) runs over it. Although this one is mangled, it is still intact, and might even be usable. I just haven't had a chance to beat it back into its original shape. All too often, the barrel breaks when run over, rendering it useless.

I mention this because it makes me wish I had one of those 64- or 96-gallon trash cans. The proposal for automated trash collection would have the trash hauler supply the barrels and maintain them. Which means that the barrels would be treated better than mine are now, i.e., placed further from the road so no one could run over them. Indeed, those big, wheeled barrels are heavy enough that they're unlikely to be pushed around by the wind.

I do like the idea of those big, wheeled barrels. Even if the town doesn't decide to use automated trash collection, I may just get a couple.

I just have to make my last barrels last a few months longer.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just perusing your site and saw the blog about the trash barrel. So you know, the refuse company is responsible for ensuring your trash receptacle (personal property) is safely off the street after it is emptied. This is to ensure your personal property is not damaged, that an accident could not occur, and, most important, proper customer service. You should contact the waste hauler and tell them about the damage because it was not placed securely off the street.

I have had this happen to me and had the company reimburse me for a new receptacle. They offered to bring on to me, but it was too large (one of those 96-gallon ones you think you want). I accepted a small reimbursement and bought a new container. I also contact both the DPW and the waste hauler when I see the workers throw other containers around or leave them on their sides. This is poor service and is unacceptable. The town pays A LOT of money for this service and should demand proper service, including repecting your personal property.

Brent Putnam said...

Wow...you learn something new every day! I'll look into this. Thanks!