Letters: August 5

Re: Clear garbage bags in Central Frontenac, Mike Proctor

Re: Clear garbage bags in Central Frontenac

(Frontenac News, Central Frontenac Council, July 15, 2010)

I am compelled to write about Central Frontenac council’s plan requiring residents to use clear garbage bags, which I assume, is an effort to guilt people into separating garbage from recyclables. Don’t we already do that? Clear bags are used in some cities so why not do it here? Well, I’ll tell you why not. First, cities that use clear bags also use various coloured bags for different types of waste, for example, bluish bags for compost, green for papers, etc. This makes the job of separation and curbside collection much easier. Are we going to soon get curbside collection?

Second, these bags will cost the township 17 times more than the present tags do. Over the course of a year that can add up to thousands of dollars – a needless tax increase.

Third, not all bags are created equal. I use the strong bags to ensure that my garbage gets to the dump intact. Will I have to put one of my own bags inside one of these clear bags to make sure it doesn’t split? That would be ironic.

Fourth, I don’t want to see anyone else’s garbage and I’m not interested in showing mine.

I find it quite strange that many people complain about government intrusion in our lives, yet there has been little concern voiced over this issue. George Orwell was right, Big Brother is watching. I’m just waiting for the day when I’ll need a permit to fart.

Mike Procter