In response to the article suggesting forcing everyone in the county to pay for garbage pickup, I want to speak out [“Retreat and Advance,” Feb. 8 Xpress]. Because of my efforts to compost, recycle and buy fewer packaged items, I have been able to reduce my garbage to one bag a month and two bags of recycling. This I take to the transfer station for $1. Since I am only able to find part-time jobs and have to pay the full amount for my ever-rising health insurance, I am no longer able to afford garbage pick-up, and I can't see that it's worth it (not to mention all the bent and broken garbage cans I used to have to replace). I'm sure I am not alone in this distressed economy. I have my doubts that the price of garbage pickup could be reduced to $1 a month even if participation was 100 percent.
Let those who want the convenience pay for it. The transfer station is an easy and affordable option. There is no reason to dump trash on the side of the road except pure laziness and disregard for the environment. If necessary I suggest raising the fines for littering and doing a better job enforcing the laws.
— Carolyn Pidgeon
Leicester
