Letter To The Editor from Bobbie Deegan

I was notified via email, door hanger and Alsobrooks' online newsletter that my trash collection day would change as of July 1. My pick-up day went from Wed to Tuesday. On July 2, I dutifully put my trash and recycle out for a Tuesday pick-up. It was not collected until late Wednesday! I assumed that was Opening Day mishaps and service would improve.

This week, I put my trash out Monday night, July 9, to be picked up yesterday, July 10. Recycle came, but Trash never did. My trash is still out front this morning. The neighborhood raccoons thank you for the unexpected snacks.

I have since learned via Facebook that most of Beltsville has the same problem, and that our trash removal is no longer being done by Beltsville Refuse. The contract was given to another company. Beltsville Refuse has given us many, many years of great service, and I cannot fathom why they were "let go" without any community input. I would MUCH rather have our "former" level of service on time, trash cans left standing near my driveway and not thrown down in the street, than have a so-called "higher" level of service that is minimal at best - not on the designated day, trash cans thrown down and left wherever they land, bags ripped by raccoons because the trash cans were out for collection for two days.

First you messed with our Fire Dept, now you have "broken" our solid waste collection. I don't know how other Prince George's communities are faring, but what do you have against Beltsville? I am NOT Prince George's Proud about how PG County is providing us with these fundamental public services.

I have not called 311 on this because I assume that since the whole street hasn't been collected yet, someone will be here eventually. But I would like the process reviewed and frankly, Beltsville's business given back to Beltsville Refuse, who has demonstrated they can handle it by serving us so well and so faithfully for so many years.

Sincerely,

Bobbie Deegan