HOLLIS, N.H. (AP) – The operators of the transfer station want residents to find another place to hang out.

The town’s board of selectman adopted an ordinance this week limiting visits to the transfer station to one 30-minute visit per day. It also bans rummaging in the town’s scrap metal pile.

Selectmen say the new rules prevent accidents and allow transfer station employees to work with fewer people milling around. They’d also like the town to retain more of its scrap metal, which it sells to a recycling company.

Residents gave selectmen an earful about the rules.

“What you people are doing is having callous hearts towards the people of Hollis,” Arden Post told the board.

The transfer station is a social outlet for many, and the metal scrap pile allows people to reuse things, which is good for the environment, residents said.

“I’ve met a lot of people there from Hollis that I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t gone to the dump,” Marilyn Mitchell said. “This is going to be very disappointing to a lot of people.”

But board member Mark Johnson said the transfer station isn’t the place to catch up with friends.

“The transfer station is not a social center,” Johnson said. “Our employees have work to do and work to accomplish. Safety is the biggest concern.”

Residents will still be allowed to take items from the scrap heap for a small fee.

AP-ES-11-08-07 1446EST