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Memoirs of a Sanitation Commissioner

Most of us remember Sandy as if it were yesterday. After that "once-in-a-lifetime" event, we all cleaned up and cleaned out our homes. We had so much material loss, it was hard to be optimistic about the future. How could insurance replace what was lost? Would there be a second surge the following year? We cleaned up our basements and garages and piled our memories, heirlooms, and water-logged possessions onto the curb. 

And now we have to live through this. This pandemic. Another "once-in-a-lifetime-event." Once again, we are piling our stuff onto the curb. This time, not because they are ruined, but because we just have so much time on our hands to clean up. Projects long delayed are back on. Garages are becoming gyms. Basements are becoming offices. When storage space is needed, the excess being stored is moved outside. Onto the curb. That's where my team comes in.

The men of Nassau County Sanitation District No. 1 continue to do an incredible job under the most trying of situations. Like mailmen who continue the essential work of delivering your mail, sanitation workers are picking up your trash and recyclables, rain or shine. It’s something we take for granted.

We serve the 5 Towns including North Woodmere, Millbrook and parts of Lynbrook and East Rockaway. That is over 30,000 homes, and, yes, it's a lot of garbage. Walking the streets during the pandemic, I can't believe how much stuff we put out. Like the pandemic, it doesn’t seem to end. 

I would appreciate if you would tie up what you put out. Break down the cartons. Make it a little easier for our hardworking men. I am proud to be your Commissioner for over 40 years and to work with our dedicated men led by Superintendent George Pappas. 

Just do the right thing and please wear a mask. It’s not only for you. It's for our community.

By: Irving J. Kaminetsky