San Jose Mercury News, Calif., Action Line column: Garbage pickup reeks in San Jose cul-de-sacs.

Byline: Dennis Rockstroh

Aug. 13--Q I give San Jose's new garbage/recycling pickup service a C-/D+.

The problem is the driver learning curve when collecting in a cul-de-sac.

Out of necessity we cannot spread out our containers to allow easy access for the driver to use the pickup arm on the truck. There is just not enough curb space.

These new drivers refuse to exit their truck cab to move the containers to facilitate pickup. Instead they waste time maneuvering the truck to get into a pickup position -- even if this means knocking over other containers.

Our garbage driver knocked over the recycling container and just left it this …