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38
The number of premises cleared was in the region of 27,500
and as some of these buildings, particularly the large ones, use more
than one bin, the number of journeys made by the collectors is
substantial. It is estimated that 1,526,000 calls were made last
year.
In addition to dealing with special accumulations from trade
premises, arrangements are in force for this service to be provided
to individual householders. A charge is made, based on the actual
costs of the job plus the usual oncosts.
Whilst the volume of work involved is not great it does
provide a useful outlet to people who have extra debris or refuse
for disposal, and is appreciated.
All night burning stoves are obviously used to a large extent
and these bring added dangers from fire, owing to hot ashes being
placed in the bin.
The weight of refuse collected was in the region of 25,549 tons.
A further 4,000 tons was received at the tip in the form of trade
refuse, gully contents, street sweepings, trimmings from verges, etc.
Kitchen waste amounted to 376 tons, and was cleared chiefly
from individual containers in the Mottingham and Lamorbey
areas and certain schools. About 3,000 containers are in use.
Disposal of the refuse was carried out at St. Paul's Cray Hill
Park, where low lying ground is being reclaimed. Tipping at the
Baugh Estate was completed and the land has now been handed
over to the Parks Committee.
Further vehicles and trailers of improved design, fitted with
diesel engines have been purchased.
Salvage including waste paper, has been maintained at a high
level in spite of market difficulties. The demand for newspaper
has fallen, but cardboard and mixed papers are in keen demand.
Trade Refuse.
As there appears to be some misunderstanding regarding the
clearance of this material, it is perhaps desirable to make the
position clear. The removal of Trade Refuse can only be
undertaken by the department providing payment is made in
accordance with the scale of charges laid down by the Council in
order to comply with the provisions of the Public Health Act.
Bulk Container System.
The Bulk Container System was introduced to deal with refuse
from flats, hospitals, hotels and other similar places in the district.