Circular Quay on the nose
BY MICK ROBERTS
An investigation is underway into an ongoing problem with Circular Quay businesses dumping bags of rubbish in a refuse store, which is creating offensive odours and an eyesore at one of Sydney’s most famous tourist destinations.
The store, surrounded by fencing spruking Sydney’s tourist attractions, harbours mountains of rotten rubbish from local businesses.
The open garbage room is located opposite ferry wharfs 2 and 3, next to the public toilets, and less than 5 metres from an ice cream store whose customers get the full force of the smells.
Local businesses have told The City News that the area has been a problem for some time, with the surrounds often smelling like a brewery.
One businessman, who did not want to be named, said large groups of people often gathered there late at night, drinking alcohol and discarding their empty bottles and cans into the refuse pen.
The City News can reveal that City of Sydney Council’s waste manager has reported an ongoing problem with local businesses dumping loose sacks of rubbish in the pen rather than placing them into the wheelie bins provided.
Although the sacks are collected regularly throughout the week by Council, the rotten food inside them is causing the offensive odours.
City Rangers are patrolling the area to try to discover the main culprits, while the refuse pen is being steam cleaned.
Sydney businessman Brian Adams said the rubbish pen sends a poor message to tourists.
‘An American couple I spoke to said they were surprised at the mess they saw at Circular Quay,’ according to Mr Adams. He said the couple had been told by friends living in Sydney that it was ‘a very clean city’ yet they ‘haven’t found it so’.
The City News understands there are plans underway to replace the storage pen with a new facility, which will incorporate a CCTV system to reduce ‘fly tipping’ of loose rubbish.
“Following the enquiry from The City News, City of Sydney health inspectors will investigate the complaint and take action if required,’ a Council spokesperson said.
