To actual adults this isn’t one of the great terrors of the world. To those whose mental development has been curtailed – at least as far as Freud determines it- such that they are anal retentives this is a disaster, an error about which something must undoubtedly be done. This mere idea that people might get on with things themselves without the intervention of that priestly caste of clipboard wielders:
The sight of unwanted furniture marked ‘free’ on our street corners has fast become commonplace as homeowners opt for a stress-free way to offload their possessions.
But fed up councils warn those who carry out the practice face the same punishments as litterbugs dumping fridges and mattresses in fly-tip hotspots.
Authorities say the rise of middle class fly-tipping has seen increasing numbers of cabinets, sofas and wardrobes left unattended outside homes, instead of previously being disposed of at charity shops and recycling centres.
The current mantra is that we should reuse where possible, recycle where not. Reuse is obviously going to be more efficient where transport of the items is less if not least. Swapping a sofa between neighbours is going to be more efficient than transporting it off to the town dump, there for it to be carried back to said neighbour.
But such simplicity threatens that caste of those with pencils to wield. The point being not that of efficiency at all from their point of view. The objection being that, well, if people do and can just get on with it themselves then what of the religious functions of those who oversee the rulz? As with the Catholic Church of old, leading a good life was not enough, one had to go through the rituals in order to have the life stamped as being a good one. Attendance, submission to authority, these were more important than alms and good morals. It is the verification which saves, not the actions.
And thus this insistence upon the imprimatur. Swapping junk isn’t the point at all, provision of jobs to the enlightened is. The answer is obvious too. We should never allow the anal retentives to have any power in our society. Which is as good a reason to leave the European Union as any…..
See also credentialism, where you can’t pursue a trade without a certificate.
Christ! note the value of a university diploma, versus the value (toward employment) of anything you learn there.
Junk left at curbside could reflect on the character of the neighborhood, to the extent that people complain about it to Council and expect them to do something about it. Threatening fines is a reflex for Councillors, likewise toughening up the Rulebook. The more subtle question is: How has the city impeded private solutions to placement or disposal of unwanted furniture, so that the best option is now a do-it-yourself broadcast to all passers-by?
Years ago in London I put a recently bought large stone plant pot outside the front door, not actually on the street, and filled it with soil ready to plant something in it.
It was recycled within two days.
In my neck of the woods that’s known as affirmative shopping.
Visiting Perth (Oz version) a couple of times recently, my son introduced me to the wonders of “verge collection” day. On designated Saturdays unwanted household items can be left on the roadside for collection by anybody who wants them. The Council will collect any remaining at the end of the day and take them to the tip. Seems to work well, although the weather (ie comparative lack of rain) does help.
We have that here. Unfortunately, we also have an older contingent who believe “anybody who wants them” extends to pre-HD televisions and glass computer monitors, items whose market value is now well below zero, especially now that you can’t pay to put them on pallets and ship them to China.
There was a contretemps a few years ago where the council wanted all road planings sent to a recycling centre.
They were unable to explain what was to be done to them there, nor why this was better than taking them directly to the site where they were wanted.
See also credentialism, where you can’t pursue a trade without a certificate.
Visiting Perth (Oz version) a couple of times recently, my son introduced me to the wonders of “verge collection” day. On designated Saturdays unwanted household items can be left on the roadside for collection by anybody who wants them. The Council will collect any remaining at the end of the day and take them to the tip. Seems to work well, although the weather (ie comparative lack of rain) does help.
Junk left at curbside could reflect on the character of the neighborhood, to the extent that people complain about it to Council and expect them to do something about it. Threatening fines is a reflex for Councillors, likewise toughening up the Rulebook. The more subtle question is: How has the city impeded private solutions to placement or disposal of unwanted furniture, so that the best option is now a do-it-yourself broadcast to all passers-by?
In Texas no decent thing left on the front lawn would last long enough to come to the attention of the city. Hispanic gardeners have big trucks.
Years ago in London I put a recently bought large stone plant pot outside the front door, not actually on the street, and filled it with soil ready to plant something in it.
It was recycled within two days.
There was a contretemps a few years ago where the council wanted all road planings sent to a recycling centre.
They were unable to explain what was to be done to them there, nor why this was better than taking them directly to the site where they were wanted.
Common here, leave it outside for a few days and if no one takes it off to the tip it goes, also when trees are cut down put the wood on the curb side with a free firewood sign