Let me explain…
People in my flat are the only ones within the whole building that use this bin. I know this as whenever we take the trash out — nothing ever changed from the last visit.
So imagine my reaction when I saw it…
Is this some sort of monster GMO mutant that is trying to get out?
Probably not…
I stood there for a good minute. All these emotions were coming to the surface, but one, in particular, was overtaking — disgust.
Not of the eyesore — of the people who did this. All of this.
No matter what way I was trying to look at it — I couldn’t justify this view….It is after all :
- A super visual demonstration of cruelty and disrespect that’s being done to living creatures Every Single Day.
- Inconsiderate of the most sensitive. There are plenty of children playing around in this street, and they had tons of questions after seeing this and received a lot of upsetting information. I always encourage questions, especially when it comes to food and where it comes from, but there is a place and time for everything (I’m sure most parents agree).
- Sticking out, leaving the bin half-open, so in other words — an official invitation to all sorts of birds and animals, resulting in most of the contents scattered all over the street afterwards.
- Super unhygienic.
- Dumped in someone else’s bin without permission.
- In my bin.
Oh, and just one more tiny detail…
- I am a VEGAN (don’t worry, I won’t be urging you to change your diet; I won’t be writing about eating at all!)
I was starting to question — was this a coincidence?
I could barely handle all the emotions emerging… I knew I had to do something but didn’t know what exactly… So I took the matter to social media and posted this picture everywhere I could think of.
I honestly didn’t imagine there would be one person to justify this…
And boy, was I wrong! The comments this post received taught me more about the people and society I live in than I could’ve ever learned any other way!
But I will cut it short and only point out the highlights:
- I mainly was told not to force my views onto others and be happy someone managed to put it in the bin at all (didn’t do a great job, obviously)
- The post was removed from one of the main Vegan groups on Facebook for being too triggering.
- It was laughed at and then removed from the ‘Nextdoor’ app
But also…
- I received quite a few understanding and supportive messages/comments, which are always super nice to read!
- After seeing my post-Home Group took care of the object removal from the bin without me even requesting it (That felt amazing!)
- I was encouraged to open an official investigation for a harassment case.
- After refusing (I don’t honestly believe this ‘piece of art’ was dedicated to me personally, even though it is a bizarre coincidence), I was assured that the area would be monitored.
- I learned that ‘not being an asshole’ is a rare quality to come across in people these days…
So is putting your rubbish in someone else’s bin really such a big deal?
As it turns out — YES, and if your neighbour is pissed — you will be facing charges (it can go up to £400!)
It’s a form of antisocial behaviour and is classed as fly-tipping. But if you have a spare £400 and decide to risk it anyway — make sure they aren’t vegan as in this case — You will be facing charges for harassment too (£1000 or 6 months in prison!)
And yes, It is a waste of good leg. A good leg that probably would’ve served its owner for many more years if given a chance…
