If you work in landscaping, sooner or later you will be dispatched from your work site to dump green waste. And for some, driving instead of sweating on site feels like Christmas. But let’s not get excited. This isn’t a milk show.
Wasted Wastech
I want to examine my smooth trip from this morning so you can do it like a professional. I went to Meadows green waste dump in Pitt Meadows because Wastech sites have recently increased their rates.
This makes very little sense at the end of summer. If we assume your landscape contracts renew on January 1, then it’s unlikely you can change your green waste charge calculations in early September. All you can do is “eat” the extra charges. Or you avoid Wastech by driving to Meadows like me.
Let’s do it
Drive up on the scale and pull up to the window. I know the gray haired attendant well. Last winter she gave me chocolates before Christmas and for a brief second I thought, yeah, I still go it. Alas, all landscapers pulled out from the scale with chocolates that day.
Be sure to tell the attendant you are dumping green waste.
Position
I was the only one at the dump this morning but that’s not the case every day. So make sure you don’t hog all of the space. It sounds logical but I’ve seen the sinners many times.
One elderly gentleman pulls up and parks parallel to the green waste thereby blocking others from access. Then he gets out with his cane and proceeds to unload a huge number of plastic bags. One by one; his arthritis getting worse by the minute. Then he discovers sweat on his face….you get the picture.
Ready?
Unload whatever isn’t staying at the dump. In my case, one wheelbarrow and one blower, plus a bundle of tarps. Many safety chains go missing at this step.
If you’re lucky, your company has a dumper truck like mine. Keep the engine running, secure both doors and press the UP button. Then take a sip from your Starbucks.
If you don’t have a dumper truck, stop sucking exhaust and cut the engine. Then unload all green waste by hand.
DO NOT dump any garbage here. Keep it and dispose of it somewhere else.
Closing time
Press the DOWN button, reload your truck, close the back doors and drive around to the scale. Pay the attendant and keep the receipt for your boss. Drive back at posted speed limits and don’t milk it.
