New attendant is at 1.8-Acre site to monitor dumping

PHYSICAL PROPERTY

by Emma DiMaggio

LW Weekly editor

On Oct. 31, the Golden Rain Foundation welcomed the addition of Nikisha McRoyal as the area attendant for the GRF dumpsters at the 1.8-Acre site. McRoyal will be stationed at the site to ensure that only authorized residents use the facility, which some regard as a de facto amenity.

“I just make sure that people are following the rules of the GRF,” McRoyal said. “We have a lot of illegal dumping from people, for example, in escrow, or friends. They’ll say, ‘Oh, you can dump over here,’ so I’ve been stopping that and turning them around.”

Her position is intended to reduce unnecessary expenses caused by unauthorized use, as well as the disposal of household furnishings that could otherwise be donated.

She also prevents dumpster diving and prevents large items from being deposited outside the bins when they are full.

“She is just the right person for the job,” said GRF Board Director Nick Massetti, who represents Mutual 17.

“She handles the task with authority and confidence and is ready for just about anything— which is just what has and will happen out there.”

“I love it. I love coming here, working here, interacting with my elders,” said McRoyal, who worked as a caregiver for two decades.

The GRF has taken previous steps to secure the dumping site, such as changing the opening time to 9 a.m. and providing contact information for nearby thrift stores willing to pick up items. Though some have been surprised to learn that they need to present their GRF ID card to use the site, most have been very cooperative.

“If you’re going to have your son or daughter or friend or caregiver throw away your stuff at the dump, please make sure you give them permission to do so, and give them a copy of your GRF ID,” McRoyal said. “It’s simple. Just follow the rules and everybody will get along.”

At the September GRF Board meeting, new rules were adopted for the use of the dumpsters. Those rules will be finalized at the board’s next meeting on Nov. 22.