Letter: South End Looks Like a Dump on Trash Day

Dear Editor:

Another trash day, and Boston looks like a dump. Bags are ripped open 
for 5 cents, and all trash types are strewn about the streets.

According to the City's FY12 budget, trash removal costs over $40 
million a year. $40 million for this? I only generate one bag, if 
that!

The municipally controlled system is broken. Just look around. It 
doesn't have to be this way.

If we let the same free market that made the iPhone solve our 
problems, who knows what could happen?

We could request pickups using smartphones! Companies could place 
disposals on streets that are accessible 24/7 with a key fob! 
Household trash cans could automatically request pickups!

Work an odd schedule? Dispose on demand. Generate one bag? Pay 
less. Generate a lot? Pay more. Problems solved.

Of course, “illegal” dumping wouldn't disappear. But, those people 
could be ticketed instead of taxpayers that place a bag on the street 
30 minutes “too early” or do not use a bag emblazoned with the Mayor's 
name. That law is coming, just wait.

The key is to pay for what is used. A powerful incentive that 
guarantees the best services, and the cleanest city, for everyone.

Thank you, 
Robert Yarbrough 
South End
Boston, MA