View report page

standardise a type of bin which should be handled by a vehicle capable of emptying this without
dissemination of dust and without the previous removal of the lid. After much research, the Council
decided on a plastic bin of 3¼ cu.ft. capacity with hinged metal lid, which had the advantage
of lightness of weight (21 lbs.) as compared with the British Standard metal bin (28 lbs.) of similar
capacity. This first type of plastic bin with metal lid has since been greatly improved so that
it is now all plastic including hinged lid, and again much lighter (12½ lbs.) than the earlier Version.
It was estimated that the plastic bin was at least equal in life to the metal bin and that the
risk of damage by fire was relatively small. This in fact has proved to be the case as the amount
of damage through hot ash has been negligible. The bins are provided by Dennis Brothers Limited
but are manufactured by Thermoplastics Limited, using a high-density polythene on the injectionmoulding
principle. They cost £3.11.10 each.
Although empowered to make an annual charge not exceeding 7/6d. the Council decided to
issue the new bins without charge in a phased programme, which should be completed by 1972.
By October, 1966, the Southern part of the Borough was made completely dustless and some 36,000
bins had been issued. Further extensions to the scheme in the Northern part of the Borough have
brought the total bins in use to approximately 45,000, and it is estimated that some 30,000 will be
needed for completion. The introduction of the bins is being financed partly out of revenue and
partly on a capital basis by internal borrowing.
Refuse Vehicles
Where dustless loading operates, the Council is at present using the Dennis "Paxit Major"
Mark IIIA vehicle, which incorporates a compression device for securing as substantial a load of
refuse as possible. Some 35 to 50 cubic yards of loose refuse is accommodated and a load of upwards
of 5 tons obtained.
The basic vehicle is converted to dustless loading by the addition of two dustless loading
shutters to the back of the vehicle. These work on the Oschner principle, the bin being lifted and
discharged mechanically in such a way that it is emptied inside the vehicle without emission of
dust. Fourteen such vehicles now operate in the Borough and the current cost of the basic vehicle
equipped with the double shutter is £5,984. Where dustless loading does not apply yet, the main
vehicle in use is the Shelvoke and Drewry fore-and-aft tipper, which has proved itself in service
a sound and reliable vehicle.
Method and Frequency of Collection.
Mainly as a result of work study, about 60% of the Borough is now given a twice-weekly
collection of household refuse, (Mondays and Thursdays/Tuesdays and Fridays), and the remainder
a once-weekly collection, (Wednesdays): selection being made to give the greater frequency of
collection- as far as possible-to those areas having greatest need, i.e. those where property is
in substantial multiple occupation.
The work is organised on the basis of 21 beats, though ultimately this number may be
slightly reduced. The collection teams consist of a ganger, driver, and four loaders; and each beat
has been designed to equal the others in work load as far as possible, each having its share of the
relatively heavier once-weekly collection.
Bulk Refuse Collection from Flats.
Refuse Bins.
These are mainly 30 cu.ft. bins, 3 ft. in diameter, and 4 ft. 3 ins. high. The earlier bins
were moved into and out of their housings on trolleys supplied with the vehicle, but the majority of
the bins are now mounted on casters and cost £24.2.6. each, plus £3.2.6. for lid where required.
They are either housed in the block of flats they service - in which case they are fed by chutesor
are free-standing with varying degrees of cover. In such cases they are fitted with lids in which
are smaller apertures (of the diameter of a normal dustbin) through which refuse is fed into the bin.
The standard hire charge for these bins complete with lid is £5 per annum, but this is being removed
progressively as the area in which the property stands is brought within a dustless loading zone.
The number of containers now in use is 1,915.
Refuse Vehicles.
Dennis and Shelvoke & Drewryvehicles have been used, but the Council is now standardising
the Dennis "Paxit" vehicle, which is similar to that used for dustless loading but is specially
equipped to lift and empty the largest containers. There is provision for the compression of the
refuse in the vehicle and 90 to 100 bins are normally emptied daily on each bulk refuse collection
beat. The current cost of the Dennis vehicle is £5,593.
102