Dear Editor:
I am an avid recycler and have been for years. My yellow bag is full each week; not one piece of paper in this house goes into the garbage.
Today I put out my usual bags and another large clear bag of packing paper - large pieces and easy to see what it was. So I was very annoyed when the recycling truck came and I saw that my large bag of paper had been thrown back into my yard.
This recycle guy had to pick up the bag and walk four or five steps to toss it back in my yard. He could have walked two steps and emptied it into the truck.
When I called the North Shore Recycling Program, I was told that they only will pick up the yellow bags, and for that for larger amounts I have to get in my car and drive to the recycling station. Given the cost of gas these days, I said I was not willing to do that and would just have to put it in the garbage next week. The lady responded that that was illegal. Then I was put on hold for so long that I hung up.
Apparently they're afraid the paper will spill and go all over the neighborhood. Well that happens every week, anyway. Our back lane is always strewn with paper after the truck has been by.
I was left feeling very disappointed with this system. I feel my hard work in separating paper out of the garbage stream for many years is not taken seriously.
I hope by writing this letter, they'll consider changing their ridiculous rules and pick up the paper like they are supposed to.
Colleen Dawson North Vancouver
