Letter to New Bedford’s Trash Collectors: Keep On Truckin’

Dear garbage collectors of the SouthCoast, particularly New Bedford:

I raise a beer for you.

There are two types of people in the world: those who get mad or stressed out when stuck behind a garbage truck and those who understand that it's not an easy job.

When I moved to the city a couple of years ago, I would always be in the wrong place at the wrong time on trash collection day. I could be one block away from my house, just about home-free, and then turn the corner and find myself waiting behind a garbage truck.

A 30-second drive suddenly became 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of stops the truck had to make.

Get our free mobile app

I'll admit, at first I was frustrated with the inconvenience like the garbage truck was purposely making me late for work. I'm embarrassed for my anger and even though I held it in, I still need to apologize for my ignorance to the men and women who collect our garbage and recyclables.

I know I'm not alone on this.

I've seen dozens of people throw their hands up in disgust and mutter words to the effect of, "You've got to be kidding me" and "Come on, move it."

Let me remind you that these workers are simply trying to do their jobs as quickly as possible, never mind worrying about damaging parked cars (many far from the curb or crooked), dealing with the disgusting odors of our rubbish (and a lot of it) and melting in the sweltering heat. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure most trash trucks don't have AC in the cabin.

All I'm trying to say is, be a little more patient and understanding the next time you're stuck behind these monstrous vehicles. It's not exactly a walk in the park for these workers so show a little appreciation.

After all, someone has to pick up your trash.

From ACE Junk Removal to ABC Disposal to Rusty's Junk Removal and every other garbage collecting business here on the SouthCoast, you have my complete respect for having one of the most demanding jobs there is in the city.