Lets Talk Trash

 As we pulled off I-75 today we were behind a very large garbage truck, the ones that empty large trash cans with a mechanical assist. On the back of the truck was the Company's motto: "Lets talk trash". What an appropriate and comical way to advertise, I thought.

These specialized trucks are able to carry a great load of trash because they are able to compact it before a trip to the dump. Further, it is a two man operation, one driver and one loader with the driver helping out from time-to-time.

Abut five years ago, in GCS, it was common to see two loaders and one driver. The loaders ran from one house to the other while the truck rarely stopped. My belief then was that the truck was more efficient (getting to more houses in the least possible time) and there was a cost saving. Recently, in GCS the truck was using only one loader because the trip to a dump was increased to a much further destination. It now made sense to me that three people taking the ride was more expensive than two people riding, even if it did take longer to fully load the truck.

In a book I read some time ago, a statement was made that all civilizations have been bothered with what to do with the produced trash. Our dumps are monitored, are scientifically engineered, and eventually closed. Even then, there is still monitoring for contents of leaking fluids, especially if anywhere near ground water. We see the small mountains from the road, nicely shaped and well manicured. If it is still operational the flocks of birds let us know.

As a civilization, we still need to resolve what to do about our nuclear trash.