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75
During the year, 7,440½ loads of refuse were collected, with an average weight of
1 ton 12 cwts. This figure shows a yield of 8.2 cwts per 1,000 of the population
per day.
When the present standard bin was introduced in 1934, I felt that a capacity
of 1.7 cubic feet for a week's storage was less than would be sufficient for some
households.
It is however for me to report that we have had but little complaint outside
the estate of the London County Council at Becontree, where the tenants were
accustomed to a much larger bin.
Standards however are generally rising and people today are becoming more
interested in and critical of the public services.
During the year the question has been raised of a more frequent refuse removal
service. Naturally, so far as we are concerned, it is scarce possible to think of a
service that would be too frequent. I feel, however, it is difficult to put forward
convincing arguments in support of a proposition that the much increased collection
costs would be offset by any substantial increase in comfort, convenience or health
to the householder, particularly where the householder uses the sanitary dustbin
with discrimination.
(b) Trade Refuse.—During the year nuisance was occasioned by occupiers of
shop-premises, with multiple flat dwellings above, burning refuse in their small
back yards.
Arrangements were made for more frequent removals and easier charges in the
removal costs.
(c) Street Cleansing.—The Council still relies upon manual sweeping.
I would remind members of the Council that speedier cleansing with mechanical
sweepers would mean more frequent cleansing, also releasing manual labour for the
cleansing of streets where mechanical sweeping cannot be operated effectively.
7. REFUSE DISPOSAL.
Refuse tipping has been carried on throughout the year by the Corporation on
land being reclaimed on the north bank of the Roding, adjoining the sewage works.