I'm dismayed by the autocratic ‘one-size-fits-all' rubbish policy adopted by Tauranga City Council.

It is in such contrast to what I experienced during my time living in Calgary, Canada whereby this same issue was open for full public consultation.

The outcome was an inexpensive, creatively agreed ‘user-involved' system without household bins.

Throughout the city, large colour-coded containers were permanently placed in every supermarket parking lot and other public parking areas.

Each container was designed for either paper, cardboard, plastics, glass or cans and was regularly emptied.

The expectation was for citizens to drop off their own recyclables at their convenience.

Excluded were spirit, wine and beer bottles/cans that bore a 10c refundable fee at designated recyclers and thus a great charity fundraiser.

Compostable household garbage bags were purchased through local food/hardware retailers and the cost included a weekly pickup charge.

To encourage compliance, the city initiated spot garbage bag checks ensuring no recyclables, with financial penalties for infringements.

The only bin exception was green/garden waste which was privately contracted for pickup if required.

One final relevant comment. In a recent international poll, Calgary was rated as one of the worlds five cleanest cities included with Singapore.

Tony Fellingham, Pyes Pa