My Two Cents

My clear garbage bag dilemma

In a few months (January 2018) we will be required to use clear garbage bags. I can understand the reasoning behind the decision, and I do agree that something needs to be done to reduce the costs of garbage removal in our township. But I’m a little leery about the new by-law. Not because it’s going to be more expensive and more time consuming but because, to me, it’s like putting your dirty laundry out on the line for all to see.

I, of course, recycle. Have for years. However, I’m probably not the most fastidious recycler in the township. I admit that sometimes I’m downright lazy. For example, I feed my cat tuna (that’s another story for another issue). After working all day, I’m just too pooped and to busy to rinse the can out. Why do I have to rinse the can out? Well, first of all, (don’t know for sure if this is true or not) we’re supposed to rinse out all the cans and bottles before putting them in the blue box. Second, I’m worried that my cat will go rooting through the bin and end up getting cut on the tuna can. So, I just toss it in the garbage.

As of January, I’m going to feel like a criminal if I don’t recycle my tuna can. This new clear garbage bag law is going to cause me undue stress and conflict. On the one hand I want to be a good citizen and protect the environment. On the other hand, I have days where I barely have the energy to take off my shoes, never mind wash my recyclables. To avoid the disapproval of my neighbours and the staff at the transfer station, I may have to hide my tuna cans inside something else. I don’t want to become the talk of my street....I don’t want my neighbours whispering about what a terrible recycler I am.

And what about those other things we throw in the garbage that are perfectly legal to do so? I’m not that comfortable with my neighbours knowing how many times I’ve eaten take-out, or what brands I buy or how much toilet paper I used that week. Or is toilet paper recyclable? Now I suppose I’m going to have to study or make lists and stick them up all over my house so I don’t accidentally throw a recyclable into the non-recyclable bin.

And then, I suppose I’ll have to purchase a composter because now everyone will know that I don’t compost.

I’m fortunate to have curb-side pickup. Unfortunately, that means that if I leave, say $10 attached to my garbage to cover the cost of any recycling infractions, it might be mistaken for a bribe or something, and then I’ll be in even more trouble.

I think I may lose sleep over this whole clear garbage bag issue. Saving the planet is becoming very complicated.

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