I appreciate environmentalists' passion and advocacy to reduce waste in communities ("'Pay as you throw' trash collection suggested for Marylanders," Jan. 3).
However, where are the opposing voices to advocate on behalf of poor communities? Am I the only one concerned about the cost effect of this initiative? Is waste management not considered a public utility paid exclusively by taxpayers currently?
Residents are already mandated to comply with federal, state and local taxes. In the era of stagnant or reduced wages, must residents also be mandated to comply with a political movement that seems more a scheme to pad the pockets of lobbyists (with regards to cost of this specific program)? This is not to suggest that climate change is not real. Cost has unattended consequences. Not everyone can afford to buy recycled materials.
Instead of "pay as you throw" becoming state law, instead, it should be a voluntary program. If society wants people to reduce waste, it should lead by example, and provide the materials (bins and bags) at no additional cost to Maryland residents. Good intentions need to consider the effects on individuals' lives too.
I hope Gov.-elect Larry Hogan, a Republican, has his veto pen ready.
Quiana Fulton, Manassas, Va.