It isn't very often that I side with Providence Mayor David Cicilline, but I have trouble finding any problems with his handling of the city's "no bin, no barrel" program.  In case you haven't heard, Providence residents are required to place a blue and green recycling bin next to their city-issued barrel.  If they don't, their trash won't be picked up.  As was expected, many people didn't recycle and their trash was left on the street.

     Since this strict enforcement began last week, there have been those who have criticized the city for failing to notify them.  Unfortunately, this is a poor excuse.  Residents received mailings and stickers on trash containers, along with outreach efforts at neighborhood events.  In addition to these methods, David Cicilline made a Youtube video, and it has been discussed on local blogs.  If I remember correctly, I also read about it in the Providence Journal.  Since the first day of enforcement last week, there has also been front page coverage in the newspaper, along with regular coverage on the news.  How could people say they don't know?

     As you might expect, I don't have any sympathy for those who didn't have their garbage collected.  It's a citizen's responsibility to educate themselves and familiarize themselves with the issues facing their community.  They shouldn't be blaming the city for their ignorance. 

     I'm glad to see that the city is enforcing the recycling problem by refusing to pick up trash, but they need to go further.  Many residents are leaving their trash cans on the sidewalk, then simply throwing garbage beside their barrel.  Besides being unsightly, it is also a breeding ground for rats and other vermin.  There are ordinances on the books to prevent residents from keeping their trash on the sidewalk.  These ordinances need to be enforced swiftly in order to bring this problem to an end.

     One last "problem" concerns the cost of the recycling bins, which are $5 each.  Some residents and Councilmen have complained about the cost and suggested giving the bins away.  This is ridiculous.  First of all, it shouldn't be the city's responsibility to provide bins.  If residents can't afford $5, then they can use any waterproof container.  If one isn't available, then perhaps they need to sacrifice in order to make the purchase.

     We need to stop coddling people.  A new rule went into effect that will save taxpayers $300,000.  Residents need to quit their whining, do their part, and clean up their sidewalks!