It is wonderful that residents can now recycle more of their waste through the Ecomaine program. When I arrived at the John Charest Public Works Public Facility, I was elated about participating — until I saw the bin for dumping the items. The openings are far too high, and far too small for the average person to deposit the items effectively. The pictures in the Kennebec Journal clearly illustrate that.

This built-in obstacle will discourage many people from participating. For others, who have some difficulty bending over to scoop articles from their container and then lifting the articles to a height over their head or shoulders, it will be an impossibility.

This program is far too important not to do something at the onset to facilitate participation by all interested individuals.

Could a wide ramp be built to allow people to walk up, with their containers, so they could simply scoop their materials up out of their containers and drop them in? This would not only facilitate disposal by all individuals, but it could allow shorter individuals, the elderly and those handicapped by arthritis, or other disabilities, to participate as well.

I urge Ecomaine, or the Augusta Public Works Department, to quickly come up with a solution before those eager to participate make their first, and for many, their last, trip to the bin.

I will bring a step-stool and hope not to fall while I navigate the height obstacle.

A. Delaine Nye

Augusta

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