Dear Editor,
[Re: Trees a waste of tax dollars, Feb. 6, The News]
So garbage pickup again raises its messy head.
The city does not take the responsibility for looking after residents’ garbage now, and it never has.
Recycling was started in Maple Ridge in 1972 by a local group of environmentalists, and has grown into the most comprehensive and inclusive recycling operation in B.C.
Curbside pickup of recyclables was started in 1981 by this group (now known as Ridge Meadows Recycling Society). The whole premise is to reduce or eliminate “garbage.”
When you throw something “away,” where is this “away” you send it to?
Incineration, landfill, are costly to build and operate, and have their own pollution problems.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are the key words here.
Maple Ridge supports you if you recycle, but your garbage is your own cost and problem, and should not be subsidized by those of us who have no need for a city garbage collection system.
I have heard comments from those new to Maple Ridge that we are “backward” or “not progressive” enough because there is no city garbage collection.
Sorry, but we are way ahead in our evolution that if you conform to our way of life, you do not need city collection.
If you insist you do need it, move back to a city that has it.
Don’t dump on us.
David Koehn, Maple Ridge