Admittedly, we have had a lot of Hurricane Katrina-related trash in addition to regular trash to pick up in St. Charles Parish since the storm tore up thousands of trees and branches and portions of many structures. So it is somewhat understandable that we would have somewhat of a trash problem.

But complicating the pick ups is the fact that the parish is changing its garbage and trash pick-up contractor at the end of this month. And parish councilmen claim that the current contractor, Waste Management Inc., has become somewhat lackadaisical in doing its job when the end of it is so near.

Also complicating the matter is the fact that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is supposed to pick up hurricane-related debris and the current contractor on its last leg with the parish picks up only regular trash. Distinguishing between the two sometimes become a problem.

As a result, the parish council Monday night issued a warning to its contractor that it do its job and pick up the regular trash through the rest of its contract or it can forget about picking up its last paycheck at the end of the month. That is a logical threat, provided the parish can prove the contractor is not doing its job.

It is also logical that Waste Management go to great lengths to show it is willing to do its job, even in the last days of its current contract. There will be other contracts ahead that the company should be anxious to bid upon, not only in St. Charles but in other parishes. And a black mark now would not help secure them.

Read More Stories at HeraldGuide.com!