How do you rate Prince George's recycling program? While they are making an effort, there is still a long way to go. Let's just look at a simple day of recycling for someone who lives out of the city limits.

Load up the non-recycle products and the recycle products and head for the transfer station. While at the transfer station, you dispose of your non-recycle products. In that same bin is an accumulation of cardboard, TV's, computers etc. but is there a sign that states no dumping of recycled products? No. Is there anyone around that will inform people to where the recycle depots are? Yes. However, that is not their job. What is wrong with this picture?

Leaving the non recycle bin you head to the recycle bins, if they are there. You drop off your tin cans, paper, cardboard and class two plastics, just a fancy way of saying, "milk jugs".

Now on you go to recycle your pop cans, wine bottles, etc off you go to put more miles on. Now with the next step you have a choice between the regular depot or the drive thru, which works wonders in the winter, just wait and keep warm in your vehicle while you wait in line to be served.

Almost done. Now what do you do with all that plastic and packaging? I know in Germany the store that sold it to you has to take it back and dispose of it but here in PG the city gives us no choice, Unless you're a milk jug you're forgotten.

There are a couple of private companies that provide the service and the cost is reasonable but again, it's another stop along the recycle way.

Last but not lease is composting. This is the organic material we consume of a daily basis, old lettuce, apple cores, tea bags, but 95 percent ends up in step one. This is mainly because very few people have the will or desire to deal with it.

Since we won't be seeing any change soon, you will have to speak up. If you see someone putting cardboard in the dumpster, say something, kindly of course. II've done it and I'm still alive. If you see someone throwing a cigarette butt on the ground, speak out. You will be a hero to your child, a friend and nobody will fault you for wanting to do the right thing.

Laurie Saindon

Prince George