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Dillingham Landfill gets new incinerator : Conversation with Oscar the Grouch and Grundgetta

(Left to right): Patty Rock (as Grundgetta), Buff Auxier (as Oscar), and Casey Chandler.
Margaret Sutherland
/
KDLG
(Left to right): Patty Rock (as Grundgetta), Buff Auxier (as Oscar), and Casey Chandler.

An incinerator is coming to the Dillingham Landfill, and to keep it running smoothly, residents need to sort out glass and metal from their trash. If not, the incinerator could break.

The incinerator is expected to be up and running at the Dillingham Dump in August, but you can start sorting your trash right away. Aluminum cans can be recycled at the Dillingham Senior Center, batteries can go to NAPA, plastic bottles can go to the Curyung Tribal Office, and glass and all other metals need to be sorted and taken to the landfill.

To help spread the word, Community member Casey Chandler sat down with two misanthropic experts of garbage, Oscar the Grouch and Grundgetta. They dive into the ins and outs of Incinerator maintenance and what you can do to help keep Dillingham from trash troubles.

Chandler: On today's show we have two misanthropic experts of garbage, Oscar the grouch and Grundgetta. Thank you both for being here. 

Oscar: I am absolutely miserable to be here. You brought me out of my garbage can for this? 

Grundgetta: *shriek *

Chandler: OK... well yes... so you’re here to tell us about a new development in your neck of the woods. 

Oscar: Yes, you miserable lot, I’ve got some rotten news. There’s a shiny new incinerator coming to our beloved Dillingham dump. Blech! Just what I needed, something to make my trash smell less trashy. Right Grundgetta? 

Grundgetta: *Shriek* Yeah, thanks a lot to whoever thought burning garbage was a good idea. Now, listen up, because this is important.

Oscar: Apparently, if you don’t separate out your glass and metal before you junk your trash, the fancy new incinerator will break. And then all the garbage will pile up, which, honestly, sounds great to me! But noooo, the “experts” say we gotta keep glass and metal out or the machine goes kaput.

Grundgetta: So, if you want your precious incinerator to work, and avoid making the workers grumpy like me, pull out the bottles, cans, and anything shiny before you dump your trash. Otherwise, you’ll ruin their day. 

Oscar: But seriously, scram with that glass and metal! I love trash, but even I don’t want a busted incinerator stinking up the place with rules and repairs. Separate it, or else! And don’t expect a thank you. I’m not happy unless I’m miserable!

Grundgetta: You heard the Grouch. Keep your dump in order so we can keep it as rotten as possible.

Oscar: Now, I’m getting out of this place! And don't forget, I’m the grumpiest, nastiest, most rotten Grouch in the world so don’t make me climb out here again and sort your rubbish for you. Blech! Well this has been trash, thanks for having me blech. 

Grundgetta: *Shriek*

Chandler: Thank you Oscar and Grundgetta, That was…. Yeah well. That’s it for today's show, thanks for tuning in. 

Margaret Sutherland is a local reporter and host at KDLG, Dillingham's NPR member station. Margaret graduated from College of Charleston with a degree in English, and went on to attend the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Radio and Podcasting. She is passionate about the power of storytelling and creating rich soundscapes for the listener's ears to enjoy.