If Golden Triangle Solid Waste picks up your garbage, we understand you’re in a difficult situation.

You put your can out by the road on the day you’re supposed to. Then nobody shows up for one, two, maybe three days. By then perhaps dogs or raccoons have strewn your garbage all over the yard or, for rural customers, across a half-acre of your property.

The next week, thinking you will adjust to the new delayed pickup schedule, you plan to put your can out one or two days later than usual. Then the garbage truck shows up on your scheduled day.

It’s frustrating to not know when or whether your trash will be collected, especially when it’s supposed to be regular and most especially when you’re paying for the service. It’s inconvenient, and it’s fair even to be frustrated about it to an extent.

Let’s all keep in mind that these problems are not the fault of the garbage collectors and truck drivers. In many ways, they are victims of the circumstances, just like the customers.

Aged trucks are constantly breaking down, and supply chain issues are delaying both the repairs to the old fleet and production of a new fleet. That hits these employees hard, as they are running double routes some days in the handful of trucks that are working. They are also working Saturdays all in an effort to try to catch up.

At minimum, let’s not make those jobs harder or make them dread coming down our road. Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt to find ways to let them know we appreciate what they’re doing, even if it’s just a friendly wave or a kind word. Many — especially during the holiday season — choose to give these essential workers gifts. Those small things can go a long way to encourage people facing tough sledding.

This is also a good time to take a look at our household waste. Are there ways we can reduce the amount we generate?

In any case, let’s be kind to each other. Let’s remember each other’s common humanity, even if you’re not quite sure when your garbage will be picked up.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.