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9
In connection with it, in blocks of flats particularly, the use of dust chutes is
possible, and though occasionally complaints are received that blockage is caused
by bulky articles, e.g., cardboard boxes forced into them, or that empty meat cans
give rise to noise, it may be said that actually real serious nuisance need not and
does not arise if the ducts are properly constructed and looked after. In fact fears
originally entertained that they might prove to be unhygienic and objectionable
have been found to be groundless. On the contrary, more particularly where
labour and economy are considerations, it may be claimed for the dust chute that it
is extremely convenient and has many advantages over portable dust-bins, the only
other alternative possible.
The new fleet of house refuse collecting vehicles is now complete and in use.
These are entirely enclosed and are end loading, steps being fitted to facilitate
entry. As a result refuse collection is being carried out in a more efficient and
hygienic manner than previously.
Refuse Disposal.—With regard to disposal, the whole of the refuse collected in
the Borough is taken to the Council's Wharf on the Canal at Paddington Basin
and there discharged into a collecting pit. From this it is taken by means of an
electric crane into a screen having a graded mesh which separates the large and
small material. The larger material passes along a picking belt and from it Is
extracted saleable material, such as waste paper, rags, bones, scrap metal, etc., the
latter finding a ready sale. The fine ashes and breeze obtained by screening are,
during the winter months, disposed of to brickmakers and others. The residue
from the picking belt is conveyed to a series of furnaces and a Woodall-Duckham
refuse destructor, the latter being mechanically fed, and clinkered. The steam
produced is used to generate electric current for lighting, heating and power at the
wharf. In this way the quantity of crude refuse to be conveyed to the Council's
Shoot at Northolt, where it is carefully covered (in accordance with the recommendations
of the Special Sub-Committee mentioned below), and so dealt with as
to reduce risk of nuisance, is greatly diminished. A new 200 feet chimney shaft
has been erected at the Council's Wharf at Paddngton to take the emanations from
the two destructor plants. This replaces the two old shafts which have been
demolished, and has resulted in the elimination of complaints regarding smoke.
The question of refuse disposal in London as a whole is still under the consideration
of a special Sub-Committee set up by the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee, of which St. Marylebone forms part of Group 1 of the
North-West District.
In the " Dawes " report on London Cleansing issued in 1928, it was suggested
that a Central Authority should be set up to deal with London refuse as a whole.
The terms of reference to the Sub-Committee referred to above were to examine
and report upon the existing methods, etc., of the Metropolitan Boroughs and to
suggest the most satisfactory and efficient method of dealing with disposal of refuse
on scientific lines. The inspections having been completed an interim report has
now been issued and certain recommendations made. The adoption of these by the
various Councils has lead to improvements being effected, though no step in the
direction suggested in the Dawes report has been taken.
Street Sweepings.—Street sweepings are collected by means of special vans
and conveyed to the Council's Wharf, treated, loaded into boats and conveyed to
the Council's Shoot. The Borough has been divided into beats and each sweeper
is given a definite length of public way for which he is entirely responsible. This
system applies also to the sweeping gangs employed at night. Each of the orderly
barrows carries two galvanized refuse bins into which the sweepings are placed
by the man in charge. Periodical calls are made during the day at prearranged
collecting spots and the contents of the bins are loaded into lorries and conveyed to
the Wharf as shown above, the collecting vehicles being specially constructed and
fitted with covers to prevent the blowing of refuse over the public streets.
Generally.—New plant has been installed at the Council's Shoot at Northolt to
deal with refuse unloaded there, and the whole question of collection, disposal and
dumping is constantly under supervision with a view of avoiding nuisance. Provision
has been made for the purchase during the year 1935/6 of new street