To the editor:

What’s the point of holding public meetings to supposedly listen to the residents of Lawrence express their opinions on the proposed trash and recycling changes? The Solid Waste Task Force has announced that, regardless of any feedback by the public, they are going to proceed with their recommendations because “it is good for the city of Lawrence.”

From what I read and hear, the residents of Lawrence do not want the proposed changes. People do not want to be required to pay for trash bins. Most people do not have room to store the bins in their garages, so the bins will sit outside in the rain and snow and ice. They will be unsightly. They will be cumbersome. They will likely be blown over or tipped over where animals can get into the trash.  After they are emptied, I often see the carts rolling back out into the street or tipping over where cars have to swerve to avoid them.

Has the task force consulted the waste collection employees who actually do the work? How do they feel about the reduction in jobs if the city goes to automated trash trucks? And how are the figures tabulated regarding how many residents of Lawrence currently recycle? Why would we want to be forced to pay for curbside recycling when Walmart offers a perfectly good and free recycling program, as well as the many free recycling containers located throughout the city?  And all of these largely unwanted changes will cost the residents of Lawrence more money. Very disappointing indeed.