Dear Editor,
I read that City Hall’s “Solid Waste Director pitches 24-hour garbage collection service” (SN, 12/10/2018). Though the thinking is to limit any such launch to the commercial sector, I laud such a move as practical and beneficial on several fronts, and which should have been in place long ago. In spite of reported residents’ objections, I think the same benefits would apply to private citizens, especially those who prioritise health and more civilised and wholesome surroundings.
First, because there is way less traffic buildup and resulting snarls, I believe that more areas could be covered in less time. On a related note, I think 24-hour collection would reduce the concentrations of removal activity during working hours; pedestrian and vehicular flow would be less impaired in high density areas, and narrow streets normally brought to a standstill by massive slow-moving sanitation vehicles, would get some relief. I think that this should translate to less fuel costs since movement is more fluent and smoother; less wear and tear, too.
Second, with more on the cost side, I think that the early introduction of such service could result in shorter shifts and relatively less wage expense to get the same amount of work done, possibly with smaller crews; the work is more dispersed across the clock. This is while accounting for night-shift premiums. My concern is simple: where is the money going to come from, given the continuing travails of current contractors?
Third, due to the anticipated influx of foreign faces and foreign businesses related to 2020 prospects and investments, it is imperative that this budding, soon-to-be opulent oil producing country presents a capital city and its environs that possesses a particular ambience. At the least, it must be one that is clean, healthy, and pretty. Timely and consistent garbage removal operations would contribute heavily to such circumstance. The people coming with money and visions would be impressed more with a pristine garden city (well, close to such), than with a place that is some combination of a slum cum junkyard cum back alley.
Fourth, I think that a 24-hour garbage removal schedule should position well for twice a week clearance in residential districts. This is needed, helpful, and meaningful. As an aside, I am familiar with rubbish recovery at 3am in more than one big city elsewhere. It works well. Of course, there is that bugbear dominating all considerations: money.
Now, having outlined some likely benefits, I should identify some associated issues in the interests of fairness. Round-the-clock collection for homes requires that residential bins be placed on the streets after dark. This would be sure to bring out the night people. Stolen receptacles and strewn garbage all over are two immediate problems that could surface. Matters could get messy. Further, noise pollution through heavy-duty machinery operations, activated car alarms, and excited dogs driven to barking frenzies would be part and parcel of any night exercises. For some, this combination may be an intolerable price, as has been noted in a more generalised way.
Nevertheless, I believe that 24-hour disposal service is something that must be brought into play and the sooner the better. Though economies of operations might be realised by an efficient entity, overall costs could be the sticking point. Personally speaking, the benefits outweigh the negatives, and are worth being absorbed. I would urge citizens to adopt a less NIMBY (not here) outlook, and appreciate what this could mean. Now, though City Hall has not earned any positive reviews for the longest while, on this idea, I think it is due a cheer.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
