I am an upstanding and an aspiring law-abiding citizen (for the most part), and generally speaking I can, in most situations, pass myself off as one. I am writing to make issue with the illegal dumping and littering that is an ongoing abuse of the praiseworthy intent and function of the gated Recology Western Oregon recycle facility on Avenue S in Seaside.

Hint: A mattress or a broken plastic lawn chair will not fit into a recycle bin. Besides, it is too much like work to lift grandpa’s rusty barbecue or a mattress into the cardboard recycle box. Signage won’t help the ignorant or illiterate understand they are dumping illegally. Surveillance cameras are needed, if a way can’t be found to pay for an attendant.

There is a large encampment of homeless nearby. Perhaps an individual there could be employed as gatekeeper. It could be a paying job, benefits negotiable. Perhaps move a few of the less fortunate into place on-site. A gated community?

In the real world, volunteerism has its limits because volunteers work for no pay. We need a paid attendant at the unofficial city dump.

To conclude, we all can be sure to shoulder the cost and inconvenience, and all must pay if nothing is done to remedy the blatant and in-your-face abuse. It’s a disgrace, and a black mark here in our fabled tourist Shangri-La.

GARY DURHEIM

Seaside