11 APR 06: CANS OR CANNOT
Instant Message to the young men from Columbus who started the "Dumb Laws" web site: I may have found one for you. I've found a city where you have to show a driver's license to recycle aluminum cans. And you guys really should come home more often, to stay current on these things....
Did you know you have to show identification to recycle aluminum cans in Columbus? I discovered this Monday, when I took my annual trip to a metal recycling center. It was time to turn in my big bag full of soda cans - almost all of them personally stomped flat by me, for exercise.
The metal recycling center at Sixth and Sixth is paying very well for aluminum cans these days: 40 cents a pound. Public TV's "Nightly Business Report" noted Monday night aluminum prices are at a 17-year high. There's never been a better time to clean up weekend picnics at the park....
In this year's aluminum can weigh-in, I bagged a six-pounder. That may amount to something in recycling centers, but wouldn't impress anyone in pro bass fishing.
But when I stepped up to the payoff window at the recycling center, the big surprise came. Posted not once but TWICE on the wall was a Columbus city code section, saying you must provide identification to sell aluminum or steel cans. Is someone pulling a con job, and selling painted plastic cups?
The posted section of Columbus city code says you have to submit a name, address and a form of identification such as a driver's license. I realize people are concerned about artificial sweeteners - but an instant background check on diet cola drinkers seems a bit out-of-hand.
I passed my driver's license through the slot in the window to the woman at the recycling center. In fact, I handed over the entire wallet. "You can go ahead and put all the money in there," I joked. Thankfully, she did NOT conclude it was a stickup.
There wasn't much money to put in my wallet. If you haven't already done the math, my bag of aluminum cans earned me $2.40. Before you dismiss this, remember one thing - that's enough for two double cheeseburgers on the McDonald's value menu.
So what's with the postings of Columbus city code on the wall? I asked the woman behind the window, and she recalled Columbus Council passing it about a year ago. The reason had something to do with "copper wire sales." I think she meant the metal, not the slang word for police....
This explanation suddenly made a lot of sense. Several news reports in the last couple of years have told of people stealing copper wire from power substations and construction sites, then selling it for big money. It's enough to make penny collectors put their coins in a safe deposit box.
The posted section of city code actually made me think of homeless people. Some of them pick up cans on the street and recycle them for money. If they traveled to NASCAR parking lots on a race day, they might never have to beg again....
But regular readers know from my encounters with beggars that many of them don't have identification. How do they get money by selling beer and soda cans in Columbus now? Do they wait outside recycling centers for drivers to represent them - the exact opposite of people seeking front-row seats at concerts?
I suppose if you put aluminum cans in your Columbus Recycling Blue Bin and leave them at the curb, they're still collected as usual. But remember, selling metal for money these days means you have to verify who you are. And who knows - recycling centers may check the DNA on anything looking like braces.
Now for other scattered litter from Monday's news:
+ Which area home builder faces a lawsuit by his business partner, claiming about $10,000 in unpaid expenses? And on top of that, the builder is the partner's landlord - and has tried to evict him? Maybe it's a hint for this partner to enter another line of work....
+ Public Defender Richard Smith was arrested on six counts of child molestation. Somewhere, the very different Georgia State Rep. Richard Smith adjusted his campaign literature to call himself Ricky.
(Authorities in Harris County fear the public defender may have molested several members of the Boys Choir of Columbus. If their suspicions are right, it's truly sick - and this suspect should let the boys make high notes naturally.)
+ Residents in the 3000 block of Plantation Court complained to WXTX "News at Ten" about a boarded-up home which has been vacant for more than 20 years. But a city official declared it's technically in compliance with city code. Maybe the neighbors should offer it to Fort Benning, for target practice.
+ "USA Today" reported AFLAC executive Dan Amos earned more than $38 million in total compensation last year. More than $24 million of that was in stock options - so you'll understand if he prays for all shareholders to have very long and happy lives.
+ Faith Middle School at Fort Benning announced its students set three world records, at an international cup stacking competition in Colorado. Suddenly a sport called Power Frisbee doesn't seem so far-fetched after all....
+ The Atlanta Hawks lost at Orlando 105-88, as O-Town's Stacey Augmon played his 1,000th N.B.A. game. I recall watching him play for the Hawks at the old Omni -- and taking signs to appear on TV saying, "Augmon-tation!"
(BLOGGER'S NOTE: Our next blog entry will not occur until after we finish Serious Spring Cleaning. We hope to post a combined Wednesday-Thursday edition sometime Wednesday afternoon....)
Your PayPal donations can build a better blog, and keep it independent-minded. To make a donation, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post a reply.
BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 7354 (+ 298, 4.2%, tying record high)
If you quote from this in public somewhere, please be polite enough to let me know.
© 2003-06 Richard Burkard, All Rights Reserved.