DEAR EDITOR:

I think the state needs to support sanitation workers in the way of standardized practices statewide. These workers are also on the front line — both public and private companies. Sanitation workers need standard protective equipment that should be mandated by the state.

Safety always has been an issue for the sanitation industry, even before the pandemic. And specifically, they are having a hard time finding protective equipment, as are other industries.

By the way, people who now have time to clean out their garages are throwing everything to the curb, including and beyond the kitchen sink. Let’s be considerate of these employees. Call your trash company for advice before you load up the front yard. Also, can we simply mulch when we mow and stop with the bags of grass clippings at the curb? It’s better for your yard and the landfill.

This is a tough industry and local companies raise rates only when they must. When customers get a rate increase, they should not feel as if they are being gouged, but rather this is the cost of keeping the public safe. Consider what happens when garbage is not managed in an organized manner. It becomes a public health issue. Let’s not layer crisis upon crisis.

ROBIN SCHULE