Islanders have had a love-hate relationship with Island Waste Management. We want to save our environment but the rules about sorting and schedules were bothersome at first.
We seem to be settled in and have the nicest surprises in dealing with IWMC. They are great people just like everyone else.
One day the driver explained that if I don’t sort correctly and he takes it that way, they might fine him. OK, it’s not fair to give him unsorted garbage.
Another time I was late waking up on garbage day. As I wheel-chaired out the front door he was whizzing by. Don’t tell his boss but he stopped, got out and helped me with the cart.
I always try to wave or say hi now. They are just guys doing a good job for us. There is one driver who never stops smiling and has the odd joke.
Last night, we had a lot of cartons to flatten, tie up and put out. This morning I was worried maybe the bundles were too lose or too heavy.
Along came the truck in the rain and he put the blue bags in the truck. I watched from inside so he couldn’t see me.
Then he picked up the first bundle of cartons. It looked heavy. As he was picking up the second bundle, he reached down and picked up a yellow handled tool.
It was the Richards 9-in-1 tool used last night to break down the cartons and cut the twine. Yikes, must have left it down at the street.
He looked it over an tossed it into the grass. Then he picked up the other bundle and drove to the next house.
He could easily have thrown it into the truck but he didn’t. The tool was in the garbage.
It was an honest and kind act and I thank him for saving the thing for me.
M. Surkan
Dear Mr. Pate,
Thank you so much for taking the time to send this in to us. As you can imagine, it is a busy time for us. It is especially touching when a customer makes the effort as you have done, to send us comments such as this.
Our collection is a contracted service, however, IWMC will ensure your comments are forwarded on to the appropriate driver.
Have a great day.
Sincerely,
M. Surkan