Recycling system works fine as it is

Re: City’s plans to implement curbside recycling pickup in April as reported in the Jan. 23 edition of the Lethbridge Herald.

In my opinion (and others if one reads Roasted and Toasted) the issue of curbside recycling is highly contentious. As I remember, when this subject was initially introduced to city council, it was duly debated and subsequently voted down. Does the general public have any idea why it was resurrected, resulting in the motion being carried? What changed?

I have spoken with numerous people who are not in favour of curbside recycling. The system now in place works well for them. They use the facilities currently provided whenever it suits their life schedule. There are private enterprises that offer curbside service if that is what others prefer, affording Lethbridge citizens the best of both worlds — freedom to choose what works for them.

Why, then, has council determined that forcing us to accept and pay for curbside recycling is in everyone’s best interest? For what reason? So we can be the same as other cities? What change will the average taxpayer notice as a result of this decision? The loss of weekly trash pick-up service, that’s what. Brilliant in a climate that is becoming increasingly hotter.

The City of Lethbridge should continue to provide the services currently in place and allow people to determine the method of recycling most suited to them. If not, I, for one, am contemplating not recycling at all. Everything will go into the trash bin and from there into the landfill. As I understand it, if the city does not have a contract in place to ensure recyclables in the blue bins are properly handled, said material may end up there anyhow.

Childish response? Definitely, but no more so than that of a certain member of council who was almost brought to tears when the initial vote on this issue was tallied and the motion was defeated.

Pat Lewis

Lethbridge