View report page

82
Method of Collection and Disposal of House
Refuse.
A weekly collection of house refuse by direct labour
is in force in this Borough. In the case of certain
public services such as hospitals and large blocks of
flats, however, two or more collections per week are
made as circumstances require. Under this system
the number of complaints is negligible, although
representations have been made from time to time for
more frequent collections in summer especially in
cases where the dustbin accommodation is restricted.
In this connection, the Council circularised the ratepayers
offering certain suggestions as to the maintenance
and use of dustbins, particularly in regard to
the elimination of liquid refuse and wrapping up all
offensive refuse before placing it in the bins. Experience
shows that where these precautions are
adopted and the capacity of the dustbin or bins is
sufficient to contain the refuse between collections no
inconvenience from smell need arise even during hot
weather.
The refuse is mainly collected by horsed vans,
but mechanical vehicles, with a capacity of two tons
each, with low bodies to facilitate loading, are being
successfully used in the outer districts, and it is proposed
to purchase more of such vehicles.
The bulk of the refuse is dealt with at the Refuse
Destructor, but as the maximum capacity of this
plant is approximately 110 tons per day, about 7,000
tons annually is barged away under contract. The
Destructor was erected in 1901, and the question of
its reconstruction is under consideration with a view to
making it of sufficient capacity to deal with the whole
of the refuse in the Borough, and at the same time
embody the latest methods of destruction and handling
of the materal.
A Flag-making plant, a Clinker crushing and riddling
plant and also a Bituminous mixing plant have
been installed in conjunction with the Destructor.