IN reply to Mr Luckhurst's letter (Why do we bother to recycle? August 8): He should try doing the work of these very hard working men.

They work in all weathers, collecting our stinking rotten waste, it is a filthy job.

If you actually see how they work in Okehampton, the estate roads are very often narrow with vehicles parked on both sides, which makes it difficult to negotiate as there is usually only a loader and driver in these vehicles.

The recycle lorries only have collection bins on the left hand side, so they work up one side of the street and down the other.

Perhaps Mr Luckhurst needs to get up a little earlier to make sure his rubbish and recycling are put out before 7.30am as these men start their rounds at 7am.

As for the last comment, they probably would be better off on the dole with all the benefits that go with it, but they are hard working men who take pride in their work and all for the minimum wage.

Mrs S Matthews

Okehampton