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The Irony Of It All
Brad Hollerbach

New Trash Rules Impractical For Parts Of Cape

Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at 1:30 AM

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  • Funny Brad, but you theory is not based on reality. When the automated trash pickup was being considered in Cape I was livid. I also thought it was the stupidest idea ever. Then I did some research and found that the hundreds of cities who are using it have had very few problems or complaints. When it was announced it was definitely coming I researched again. And again it appeared to be a success every place it has been tried. I recognize the parking problem, and am concerned about that at my house too, but it appears other cities have overcome that issue.

    -- Posted by ParkerDaws on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 6:12 AM
  • Just curious why you plan on putting your trashcan right in front of your steps instead of a few feet away. You do realize that the mailman needs access to the sidewalk to deliver your mail on trash day?

    -- Posted by Professor_Bubba on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 7:17 AM
  • I was harping about this months ago Brad. I agree, there will be issues. Parked cars in my area of town will indeed make things a bit tough.

    However, like others I checked with several Cities and friends who have this type of trash removal. They all have assured me things will iron themselves out after a bit and then smooth sailing. I think we have no choice but to see how things go. Cape is already the trashiest town nearby and more slung all over will just make things worse. Lets hope this turns out to be a good thing.

    -- Posted by GREYWOLF on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 7:51 AM
  • Parker and Greywolf, I certainly hope your findings will playout the same way here. I imagine there won't be any problems reported initially around the University since the program starts May 1 just when the spring semester is ending. The true test there will be when the fall semester starts.

    Essentially, I didn't particularly like the city's "tone" in this mailer when it comes to what is and isn't our responsibility. There are a lot of things out of the homeowner's control. After all, no one "owns" the street parking in front of their house, so anyone can park there.

    Actually Professor_Bubba, our mail carriers (we have several) almost NEVER come up my front sidewalk stairs. Most of the houses on my block have mailboxes next to their doors, so our carriers typically cut across the lawns.

    And where I put my trashcans is on the piece of sidewalk from the public sidewalk to the curb.

    Thanks for reading.

    -- Posted by Brad_Hollerbach on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 8:23 AM
  • Since it's saving money, why don't rates go down? And, who has room for a giganto-can in the garage? Lots of them are going to be left at the street because there's no place for them.

    -- Posted by rh3a on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 8:55 AM
  • I'm thinking, rh3a that's how the city believes the new trashcans will add "uniformity" to our city streets. Rather than hauling them back to their garages -- or whereever they have stored them in the past -- a lot of people will just let them sit out by the curb.

    Won't that be perty?

    Makes sense, after all, the city says they'll replace the cans if they're damaged (there are caveats) or stolen so why worry about moving them.

    TFR

    -- Posted by Brad_Hollerbach on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 9:57 AM
  • I wonder if the City will be willing to collect all the old trash conatiners folks own that can no longer be used?..I will have no use for them once this program gets started in May.

    -- Posted by GREYWOLF on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 10:45 AM
  • Yes they will, Greywolf.

    According to the brochure, you can "mark 'Take Can' on your containers on your last collection day prior to May 1 and they will be disposed of or recycled for you."

    They also have the instructions for turning your old can into a compost bin.

    TFR

    -- Posted by Brad_Hollerbach on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 10:56 AM
  • Brad, have I ever mentioned that I think you are a flippin' nut? Love the pic. Thanks for blogging. ☻

    -- Posted by Turnip on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 2:05 PM
  • No, Turnip, you haven't. Some people might be offended by being called a nut, but not me. There are way too many people and institutions who take themselves far too serious and we nuts are happy to provide a reality check.

    By the way, while this particular image is courtesy of Photoshop, I'm fully prepared to paint my curb come May. Being a CARTS Constable is serious business.

    TFR

    -- Posted by Brad_Hollerbach on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 2:49 PM
  • "They also have the instructions for turning your old can into a compost bin."

    Really? Like what? --Remove lid, insert compost.--Instant compost bin!

    -- Posted by MusicMaker on Thu, Jan 21, 2010, at 8:54 AM
  • MusicMaker, you are taking the very complex process of organized decay and oversimplifying. To quote the brochure:

    "Clean your trash can and punch holes in it.

    Chop plan debris and place them in the can. Aim for 50% green waste and 50% dry. You can supplement the dry material with newspaper if needed.

    Spray water on the plant material until damp.

    Put the lid on the can.

    Place the filled can on bricks for airflow.

    Turn the can daily. Lay the can on its side and roll it around for even mixing.

    Add more plant material at any time during the process.

    Keep the compost moist by spraying it with water when it starts to dry out.

    Harvest your compost after a month. You can use chick wire or screen to strain out unfinished compost."

    So there you have it.

    TFR

    -- Posted by Brad_Hollerbach on Thu, Jan 21, 2010, at 9:06 AM
  • As one certifiable "nut" to another, all that trouble turning the old can into a composter means only one thing: Take the d***ed can outa here and don't bother me further with details.

    -- Posted by voyager on Thu, Jan 21, 2010, at 3:40 PM