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This unidentified man, who at least does not litter, casually flips an old guitar case into a Dumpster at the Caney Creek convenience center last month, even though he should have known an eye in the sky was watching.
I have tried to live a decent life. I try to follow the rules, at least when they’re good for me. I try to do the right thing, even when I don’t necessarily want to. And, sometimes, I actually follow directions.
But not all the time, as I was reminded anew last week.
The letter dated Feb. 16 didn’t waste any time exchanging pleasantries: “At 11:49 a.m. on Feb. 12, a person driving a (vehicle with my license plate) was recorded by security cameras illegally disposing of non-household waste in a Dumpster at the Caney Creek household convenience waste convenience center. According to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, that vehicle is registered to you.”
Just in case I wanted to use Chris Rock’s classic “It wasn’t me” excuse, attached to the letter was a photo clearly showing a tall guy wearing a leather jacket and using my GMC disposing of an old guitar case that had rusted shut (thankfully without my Ibanez in it) while in storage. The camera even captured the Dumpster toss mid-flight, which is pretty remarkable from video.
So, indeed, I did the deed. But I didn’t necessarily know the deed was a bad deed when the deed was done.
That’s because old stereo equipment, rusty cases and guitars broken by our Uncle Pete are basic household trash where I live, as common as the liver and onions kids scrape off their plate when you’re not looking. Alas, that excuse is just not good enough anymore.
The letter continues: “There is a 4x8 sign at entrance telling users that the site is for the disposal of BAGGED HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE ONLY (waste generated on a daily, routine basis inside the home and usually bagged). There is also a sign on each Dumpster giving this same information.”
Clearly, my ability to read is being called into question here. And for good reason, I suppose, as that actually is a lot of signage. Plus, I had Lasik surgery and wear reading glasses, so I can’t really blame it on my eyesight.
And the wrap-up: “All other waste must be bought to the landfill located at 10160 U.S. 19, Marble, NC 28905 during operation hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (with no incoming traffic after 3:45 p.m.) and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and holidays. Fines and penalties may apply for noncompliance. Thank you for your cooperation.”
The letter was signed by solid waste enforcement officer Marilyn Herms, who deserves thanks for doing a rather thankless job. I mean, I doubt she gets to send nice letters to people complimenting them for the efficient way they take care of their recyclables.
The fine folks at the Cherokee County Solid Waste Department told me everything you can imagine gets thrown into Dumpsters countywide, from construction debris to broken furniture to soiled mattresses. And if items like electronics make it into the landfill instead of being disposed of separately, the county can face big fines from the state.
Since I would never live that down, I vow to be a good boy from now on and follow the signs, and hope you will, too. In the meantime, I hope this column serves as adequate community service.
When he’s not dumping the wrong thing, David Brown is publisher and editor of the Cherokee Scout. Call him at 837-5122, email dbrown@cherokeescout.com or reach on Twitter @daviddBstroh.