drop off at the Tynes Bay Incinerator is a blow to the poor, say the men who have been doing the same job at the Pembroke Dump for years.

The men, who learned they would soon be out of work through an article in The Royal Gazette , watched glumly yesterday as a Works & Engineering official posted a large sign on the fence near where they stand.

"This drop-off facility will be closed as of February 24,'' the sign tells passing motorists.

With the dump scheduled to close, Government has hired contractor Butterfield Excavation to handle waste dropped off a little further east on Palmetto Road, in front of the new incinerator.

The men who gather in front of the dump were not invited to apply.

"It's just making life a little bit more of a struggle for the poor class,'' said Mr. Ralph Outerbridge, who has been handling garbage in front of the dump for the last five to 10 years.

"It keeps me out of trouble,'' said Mr. Edward Smith, who has been able to earn about $50 a day in front of the dump for close to four years. "It's free enterprise.'' Mr. Dunny Nisbitt said he believes the men in front of the dump have public support. "A lot of people who come here and dump trash like to see us have jobs,'' he said. "We're making an honest living out here. We're not out stealing or robbing anybody.'' "It's just something to do,'' said Mr. Dudley Liburd. "I guess I'll find something else.'' While the men are poor, they said they all have homes and some have other jobs. Many are handymen who salvage and repair some of the items dropped off as trash. Mr. Outerbrige said he fishes in the summer. Mr. Nisbitt said he is an artist.

Some motorists always like to give their trash and a dollar or two to the same man, Mr. Smith said.

And he plans to continue accepting trash in front of the dump, even after the gate is closed. There will be problems at the incinerator, he predicted, because the contractor will not keep the same long hours that he and his friends do.

There are those who agree with Government's move. "It's all right for me,'' said Mr. Gil DeSouza, who dropped garbage at the dump yesterday. "But there are lots of ladies who might like to bring their trash, and they might not feel comfortable.'' JOBS TRASHED -- The men who collect waste in front of the Pembroke Dump learned yesterday that they will be out of work later this month. From left: Mr. Ralph Outerbridge, Mr. Edward Smith, Mr. Dunny Nisbitt, and Mr. Dudley Liburd.