As I pulled into the driveway I suddenly had to come to a complete stop because something was blocking the way into the garage. It was a jumbo-sized recycling bin that the city is in the middle of issuing out. A couple of months ago a letter was sent to us telling us to pick a size for our future recycling bin and garbage bin. I think somewhere on there it indicated that a medium-sized bin would be sufficient for the average family (I don’t fully recall). Well, despite the city’s attempts to get us to throw out less crap my father decided to ask for the XL sized bins. I was shocked!
He kept on insisting that we might need the capacity if we throw a party. The practical part of my mind cringed at that reason. I mean…it’s certainly not like there are parties here most weeks of the year. I simply cannot see us consistently producing 6-8 big bags of garbage a week. I thought that it’s also a little bit embarrassing to have to own such a large bin. To me, it’s like a badge of shame because it makes us look like our consumption is out of control. My father insisted that it might one day be necessary though.
There was no point arguing with him. He had his mind set. I tried using the cost of the bin as a reason, but he said, “it’s only what…a bit over $10/month? No problem!” Ugh! Whether or not we can afford it is not the point! Anyway, we ended that argument long ago. All of a sudden, with the arrival of the jumbo recycling bin the discussion came to the forefront.
Seriously, that sucker is restaurant sized. It’s heavy! Sure, it has wheels…but damn. I moved it out of the way and parked my car. Then I went in and called my father out to see the bin. I think he was surprised as well at just how big the thing was. I saw him pulling it around and it looks kind of silly–it’s just a bit shorter that he is, but really a lot wider around. With the snowbanks blocking the paths to the backyard, he was struggling to find a place to put it. Now, this is only one bin. What’ll happen when the garbage bin comes as well? When I move into my own place, will my parents produce so much garbage to need the XL bin? It made absolutely no sense. So, over the dinner table I made my case once more. My mother was on my side as well. Common sense! We don’t need that big of a bin for garbage! I guess seeing the size of the bin in person did it for my father. I expect him to call the city soon and modify the requested size of the garbage bin. When he does, my mind will rest easier. Ridiculous!
Will post pictures of the bin when it’s day outside.
Possibly related posts:
Recent Comments