Garbage Gazette - August 1 2006 — by Jim Baker

WHY STICKERS?

Why are we, after all these years,  suddenly asking you to put our sticker on your windshields? It's an interesting story. Be prepared to sit back and, once again, learn about the facts of real recycling!!

The story begins with the DEP closing down the dump in Carmel. "Big Smokey" we used to call it. It's located on Route 6 near the dam and in a great spot to contaminate all the water coming from the West Branch Reservoir: (That's 90% of NYC's drinking water). Now this action must have come as a big surprise to Carmel's elected officials! So naturally, they have not been able, on such short notice, to come up with any alternatives! Garbage is not a problem. Carmelites pay for curbside pickup of garbage and recyclables. The problem is what is known as nonperishable: brush, furniture, C&D etc...

A frequently suggested solution has been to recommend that Carmelites use the KRC. But, of course, we do not have the space, we are open only 4 hours a week and our volunteers are maxed out as far as service is concerned. But we know of a Recycling Center which is much closer to the Hamlet of Carmel than the KRC. We know of a Recycling Center that is open 6 days a week. We know of a Recycling Center that has paid personnel and PARC volunteers. We know of a Center that has plenty of space and all the necessary equipment except for one item ... a garbage truck! Now we have heard Mr. Bondi many times saying that he will never permit" garbage to be collected at his site. But, this is not garbage, it is recyclables and nonperishable! It is NOT in direct competition with carters who, after all, are not providing FULL service. Putnam County could step in, solve this problem and, in addition, earn a modest profit

SO WHY THE STICKERS?

We want to be able to quickly ID anyone who has not paid his membership fee. Not that we will refuse them service. What we want is for them to read, the whole story and to perhaps take action! Big changes seem to be currently possible as far as the County Recycling Center is concerned. If people start asking questions of the right people, something really good might occur. We want to be able to give out the necessary information.

Atta' Boy and Good Work

The KCAC finally has permission from the DEP to do preservation
work at Hawk Rock and the Mead farm's "stone cathedral". Some of
our recyclers have volunteered to do the tree work that will save it.

Comments can be sent to: christopher@ablestudio.com