LETTER: Request for responsible garbage disposal practices

Freedom Front Plus councillor, Shobie Arnoldi writes:

I want to address an issue that has been prevalent in our communities all over the municipality for some time now and to urge fellow residents to adopt responsible garbage disposal practices.

One of the recurring problems we face in our neighbourhoods is the premature placement of garbage bags on the streets the night before the scheduled collection. While I understand that individuals may wish to have their waste collected promptly, this practice often leads to unintended consequences that negatively impact the cleanliness and appearance of our streets.

Allow me to highlight two significant concerns associated with this behaviour.

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Firstly, the presence of these bags on the streets overnight attracts dogs, which often tear them open, spreading litter across our sidewalks and lawns. This not only creates an unsightly mess but also poses a potential health hazard, as the scattered garbage can attract pests and spread foul odors.

Furthermore, these torn bags are a particular danger to curious children and wildlife that may come into contact with sharp objects or harmful substances inadvertently left exposed.

Secondly, by placing our garbage bags out prematurely, we risk the possibility of individuals intentionally or unintentionally tampering with them. Some individuals may open the bags in search of recyclable items, causing further littering and potential hazards. Moreover, the bags may become vulnerable to vandalism or interference, compromising the cleanliness of our neighbourhood.

To combat these issues and maintain the cleanliness of our community, I would like to encourage all residents to follow a few simple guidelines when disposing of their garbage:

• It is advisable to avoid placing bags on the streets the day before the scheduled collection. Instead, I urge everyone to place their bags outside their homes on the morning of collection day. By doing so, we reduce the chances of dogs and other animals tampering with the bags, thus minimizing the risk of littering.
• Furthermore, I kindly request that residents ensure their garbage bags are tightly secured, reducing the likelihood of unintentional exposure. This will help prevent potential accidents and make the collection process more efficient and hygienic.
• However, if due to circumstances it is not possible to put the garbage bags out on the morning of collection, it is recommended to set up a stand that is high enough for dogs not to reach, and then place the garbage bags on it.
• On collection days when the garbage bags are unfortunately not picked up, it is requested to carry these bags back to your yard at the end of the day and to contact your counsellor for the next date on which the garbage bags will be collected. However, if these bags are still left on the sidewalk, the littering problem would repeat itself.
• I would also like to request the residents politely that, should it happen that your garbage bags have been torn open by dogs and some garbage remains after the garbage bags have been removed, you will remove that garbage yourself.
• Dog owners are also requested to make sure that their dogs cannot get out of their yards in any way, which can reduce the risk of tearing bags open and causing possible vehicle accidents.
  It is crucial that we work together as a community to maintain the cleanliness and appeal of our neighbourhood. By adhering to responsible garbage disposal practices, we can significantly reduce littering and promote a clean and safe environment for all residents.

I would like to express my gratitude to the local waste management team for their diligent efforts in collecting our garbage and maintaining the cleanliness of our streets.

Let us support their work by being responsible citizens and implementing these simple guidelines.

I kindly request the cooperation of all residents in addressing this issue. Together, we can create a cleaner, more attractive community that we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that by raising awareness through the Highvelder, we can bring about positive change and foster a cleaner and more responsible neighbourhood.