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PATIENCE APPRECIATED: Residents line up for Saturday's free dump day in Whyalla.
City of Whyalla CEO Chris Cowley has thanked the Whyalla public, resource-recovery centre workers and Council officers for a hugely successful free dump day on the weekend.
Whyalla residents waited patiently in the scorching conditions on Saturday as Council ran the first of two free dump days at the Mount Laura Waste and Resource Recovery Centre to help celebrate Clean Up Australia Day in March.
Mr Cowley gave special mention to the workers at the dump on the weekend that included the regular contracted employees and a bunch of Council office workers who pitched in. Another free day for Whyalla residents will be held on March 16.
“I think you can see from the social media comments (see below) and feedback on the day that everyone appreciated the free dumping and were especially appreciative of the efforts put in by all the workers,” Chris said.
“There were long line-ups in the crazy heat during the afternoon but everyone kept their cool.
“We had dump workers going flat out, Council workers handing out free water and it all added to another successful exercise as Council strives to give something back to the community wherever it can.”
Staff at the dump reported more than 30 tonnes of waste during the day with almost 200 cars passing over the weighbridge. This waste included many tyres, lounge suites, steel/whitegoods and mattresses on trailers – the sort of things that are commonly dumped illegally.
Also on hand during the day, acting infrastructure manager Kristen Clark went down the line and took the registration numbers of the cars that weren’t going to make through before the dump cut-off time. These people were invited back this week to dispose of their rubbish for free.
“We just couldn’t get all the customers through on the day so we made a snap decision to take the regos of those that couldn’t get through and invite them back this week,” Kristen said.
“We had more than 20 cars that were unable to get through and we’re glad a lot of them have come back today (Monday) to get rid of their loads.”
Council has budgeted for two free dump days this year. It is still required to pay an Environmental Protection Authority levy, more than half the fee when a resident pays for the service, from the free days. Saturday’s EPA bill will be more than $3500 for Council.
The second free dump day will be on Saturday, March 16.
What you said about the day:
Anne: It's very hot, so those workers deserve lots of understanding.
Tamy: Great job landfill staff, Working all day in that heat for the community. Amazing effort.
Matthew: The landfill team have been amazing today. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
David: Council are doing a fantastic job handing out cold water to staff and the public. Well done.
Fiona: Great work guys! Stay hydrated.
Vicki: A huge thank you to the workers out in the heat making it possible I know it's your job but appreciate it on a stinker of a day
Tanya: Patience is the key today
Andrew: Well organised nice work.
Marion: Make sure the workers get a big thank you.
Trish: They are doing an awesome job!
Randall: Good job to the workers out there today, even giving water to the people in the line-up. Well done