We've never had one of the large blue recycling bins because we don't have additional space beyond where we keep our trash bin. Instead, for the last 20-plus years, we brought our recycling items to the large Fairfax County bins behind the Mount Vernon Rec Center off Belle View Boulevard and Fort Hunt Road. And I know there are lots of county residents who use of those bins for the same reason as I did, but also to get rid of large pieces of cardboard and other recyclables that don't fit in in their blue bins.

As of Nov. 30, the county removed the bins, and in their place put up a large sign noting it was done because of all the illegal dumping in and around the bins.

Anyone who frequented the recycling area would always see lots of illegal dumping of paint cans, beds, TVs, wood items, regular trash, broken furniture and so much more.

While there were signs all around noting fines for illegal dumping, it happened all the time ... and I wondered why the county hadn't put up security cameras to watch for violators to enforce the law. (Section 33.1-346 of the Code of Virginia makes littering or dumping trash a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.) I imagine, the fines would have paid for the costs involved and violators would have eventually stopped dumping. What's the use of having laws if they're not enforced?

We'll all now get our blue bins — that also cost the county money — and chalk this up to being one "rubbish" of a law.

Danny Selnick

Alexandria