OUR VIEW: Take the trash out, all the way out

We all have those household chores that we just loathe to do. Some people can’t stand to wash dishes, some people don’t do windows, and others don’t like killing the rats.

Rats you say? Yes, rats, mice and other vermin that are attracted towards our homes and apartment complexes because some people hate to take the garbage out.

That’s a little harsh, these people do take the garbage out, the problem is, once they get out, they stop. We don’t know what these people are thinking. Probably something along the lines of “I’m outside, I guess this means the garbage is out too.”

It’s probable that people just leave it out there as a reminder so that they can grab it on their way out next time. This may seem like a good idea, but judging by the fact that this garbage – in some cases – is still there up to a week later, the system is failing.

This may seem like an odd topic to rant about. Where is the pressing student or campus issue in trash? But bags of it can be seen filling stairwells and sitting outside of apartment doors. Last time we checked students are required to perform the same basic maintenance tasks as most other adults, and students have the added difficulty of sharing and coordinating these activities with others. Whether living with a spouse or a roommate, it can be easy to assume that someone else will do it.

And so the trash sits there rotting, giving off all kinds of less than attractive odors. These odors do bring mice to our homes. Keep in mind we also live in a smaller town in which stray dogs and raccoons are a definite – and unpleasant – possibility.

So be the kind of person that sees things through to the end. Don’t give up half way through. Do the right thing.

If you need help finding your nearest dumpster, ask your landlord, I’m sure they can direct you to it.