While the partygoers had a sleep-in, a handful of Wagga recyclers got in early to collect the empty bottles and cans for some quick cash, while noticing how clean Lake Albert was after the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Zach Burton, aged 17, and his little sister Kate, 10, arrived at Lake Albert well before 7am to pick up some extra pocket money and noticed how relatively clean it was.
“It looks alright. There’s a couple of people going around already, just tidying up around the bottom of the bins, but yeah, it’s not too bad,” he said.
Armed with plastic bags, the siblings chatted happily to each other as their collection grew.
“Oh we’ve got 15 of these purple bags and there’s plenty more to go around,” Zach said.
While the community benefits from having their parklands cleaned up, the Burtons were also happy at the easy money they will be making.
“Easily $300, $400, $500 in total,” Zach said.
“I’m just going to save it in my bank,” Kate said.
Terry “the Recycler” was also out and about at Lake Albert to cash in on the recycling boom.
“I made $380 yesterday for 3800 cans,” he said.
“It’s absolutely tidy. It’s beautiful here, it is. It’s really surprising how tidy and not messy it is.”
Lake Albert resident Gordon Uhr was down at the boat ramp feeding the ducks as usual, and was suitably impressed at how revellers left the Lake in relatively good condition.
“It was packed here last night, but this morning it’s very tidy which is nice,” Mr Uhr said.
