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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 30, 2008 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Missed pickup really stinks I am writing to vent about my recent experience with Halton Region Waste Management. I'd like to start off by saying that I am in favour of the new green cart program and changes to the garbage pick up schedule. Last Friday was our usual garbage pick up, since my husband had recently been cleaning out the garage we had four garbage bags in addition to our usual can full of household garbage (still under the six bag/can limit). Unfortunately, because we also had put out three recycling bins, one green cart, and two yard waste bags, the can got missed! E-e-e-k-k-k-k-k-k! I am the mother of two small children still in diapers. It is summer. After two weeks, my can is pretty much full and smelly. I called at 11:39 am to inform the city of the error. I explained the situation and that if we waited another two weeks for garbage to be picked up that would mean that it would be one month of smelly diapers...in the summer and clearly that would be unacceptable. I was told that my garbage would be picked up later that day. Sadly, by 6 p.m. on Saturday evening after explaining to all the neighbours and our guests from York Region (who incidentally are allowed to put diapers in the green bin), I put the garbage can back in the garage as it had yet to be picked up. So, I apologize to all my neigbours within a six block radius of our home. We'll have to wait another two weeks or maybe even another four weeks since we aren't planning our summer vacation around the garbage schedule. Perhaps Halton Region Waste Management could look into a company that will accept diapers in the green bin. Yes, I realize we could use cloth diapers but we've made our choice with disposables and we'll have to suffer the consequences. JENNY ARCHIBALD Cloth diapers not eco-friendly Re: Cloth diapers better than disposable diapers, Oakville Beaver, July 23. Roger Cook's obvious answer to diapers smelling up the garbage is to use cloth diapers. Aside from him starting his letter in a very patronizing way, his opinion lacks all of the necessary facts needed in the debate. While disposable diapers do make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills (newspapers are number two) he fails to mention that cloth diapers use additional water, hydro, detergents and the cotton is grown using harmful pesticides. Cloth diapers are known to cause less irritation, however, disposable diapers are better at preventing germs which is especially helpful in places such as daycares. In terms of the end dollar, cloth diapers are usually cheaper to use, but if you consider time being money then the convenience of having disposable diapers on hand should also be taken into account. Which leads me to Mr. Cook's statement about "convenience over common sense and social responsibility" comment. Based on Mr. Cook's "convenience" ideology he should walk or ride to work, use solar panels, stop reading newspapers, hand wash his clothing, refrain from watering his plants and so on. As parents, with busy schedules, sometimes convenience is a need. JAMES RUSYNYK Garbage should be picked up weekly Re: Homeowners left holding dirty diapers, Oakville Beaver July 16 I totally agree with the previous writers about dirty diapers and especially about two week garbage pickup. I have three children's worth of diapers. My main concern is that now I have maggots in my garbage. I think it's unnecessary to pick up weekly papers and empty cans. They can wait for another week. We need weekly garbage pickup. Now, I sometimes drive around and dispose the garbage bags wherever possible (construction, trail barrel etc). Obviously, Halton management people want to collect their sunshine salaries and ignore needs of residents. Garbage stinks. DONNA HENDERSON LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER THIS STINKS: Jenny Archibald holds her daughter Claire Hayward and her nose as she examines the garbage can filled with dirty diapers that was left behind during her regular garbage pickup last week. Since 1968 Auto and Home Insurance We find the right price, coverage and service for you. We deliver outstanding personal service: · When you call our office we ask for your name, not your account number. · You speak to the same person every time you call so we know who you are. · Proudly serving Oakville for 40 years. Please call us today for a Home & Auto Quote www.dobson-toncic.com 101-2020 Winston Park Drive, Oakville ON, L6H 6X7 905-829-2907