Re-opening Pandora's Trash Box

Yes folks, it's time to re-open Pandora's dirty box, AKA the dreaded Gwinnett County trash plan. I'm sure some of you were hoping that the last year's plan would just get swept under the rug and forgotten like yesterday's garbage, however, that's simply not going to happen. (And if you didn't follow all the high drama from last fall/winter, click here to read my very opinionated view of the whole saga).

Gwinnett County has been told by the state that we are producing too much trash, and we must come up with a more efficient waste management plan. Period. To operate business as usual is not an option. So, the powers that be are again (yes, again, public forums were held the first time around as well) holding meetings to gain citizen input. Technically, I am still on my "restful vacation" from the sustainability scene, but since I got my panties all up in a wad over the judge's injunction halting the new trash program last winter, I just may have to make an appearance.

Yet, I'm feeling my blood pressure rise as I write, so those of you who are in favor of greatly expanded curbside recycling services, fewer garbage trucks coming through your neighborhoods, and less trash entering our local landfills, please attend one of these meetings.

And, since the state mandated an improvement over what the county is currently doing, change is a comin' eventually, sooner than later, whether people like it or not. So, if you have ideas or input, I would encourage you to attend one of these forums and have your voice heard.

The public forums are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, July 9 6:30pm to 8:00pm. George Pierce Community Center 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee 770.831.4173. Once you enter park, the community building is located on left.
• Saturday, July 11 10:00am to 11:30am. Pinckneyville Park Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross. 770.417.2200. Located inside park. This is the only building in area; first room on right.
• Wednesday, July 15 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Dacula Park Activity Building 2735 Auburn Avenue, Dacula. 770.822.5414. The Activity Building is not located inside the park. It sits behind the park next to Dacula Middle School
• Saturday, July 18 10:00am to 11:30am. Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. 770.822.8000. Enter building at main entrance, make first right. Auditorium is on right.
• Saturday, July 25 10:00am to 11:30am. George Pierce Community Center 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee. 770.831.4173. Once you enter the park, the community building is located on left.

~Robin