Letters: Sewer, garbage service poor

The Soprano crime family would be proud of the way East Baton Rouge Parish handles sewer and garbage.

The waste management company provides bad service. The company has as many reasons as there are days in the year why the garbage can’t be picked up.

The Department of Public Works is worthless as far as I’m concerned when it comes to garbage pickup. I find they are inept, incompetent and in most cases abruptly rude when I was trying to get answers or of a copy of “the contract” they often use to beat me over the head as for the reason they can’t do their job, which is to pick up the garbage.

As for “the contract,” I’m told to obtain a copy of that treasured document one needs to file through the Freedom of Information Act.

“The contract” should be online for every taxpaying citizen to access to know exactly where one stands when garbage pickup is not getting done, which I find happens way too often.

Michael D. Day

pipe fitter

Baton Rouge

Comments

1) Comment by gofigger - 23/05/2012

They do a great job. This is one group of workers that actually earn their pay and from my point of view they do a lot better job cleaning up this town than does our legislature. For way too much less pay.

2) Comment by Being_Stupid - 18/05/2012

There is nothing wrong with the trash service in Baton Rouge, as long as you use the CORRECT TRASH CAN PROVIDED BY EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH AND PUT IT OUT FACING THE CORRECT WAY SO THE MECHANICAL ARM ON THE DUMPSTER CAN PICK IT UP, dummy. This idiot is probably using an ordinary trashcan he picked up at Walmart*, Lowes, or Home Depot.

3) Comment by DMJ - 18/05/2012

Don't a patchwork of private companies handle garbage pickup?

4) Comment by UrbanModerate - 18/05/2012

I'm normally with you, Michael, but not this time. I generally am quite satisfied with their work. And I live in Mid-City.

5) Comment by arin - 18/05/2012

In my area, they do a very good job.

6) Comment by lovemykids - 18/05/2012

I agree that it is usually a thankless job. I also have to say that lately I have noticed less competence in collecting the garbage (not picking up spilled garbage, picking up boxes meant for recycling, garbage cans lying on their sides in the street).

7) Comment by Triple - 18/05/2012

Possibly your experience is not the norm and the entire organization is not deserving of your wrath.  My experience is the opposite, and I thank the collection technicians for being courteous, timely and predictable.  In fact, the service exceeds my expectations.  When I have the opportunity to interact with the men, they are cordial and I offer them sincere thanks for a thankless job.  Chances are if the "Soprano crime family" was involved, a union would also be involved.  IMO, Job well done!

8) Comment by Elderly Man - 18/05/2012

Amen. At least, the Sopranos have higher standards.