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40
The number of premises cleared was in the region of 29,500
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 1,560,000 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
cost 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 volume of refuse collected was in the region of 160,000
cubic yards. A further 12,000 cubic yards was received at the tip
in the form of trade refuse, gully contents, street sweepings, trimmings
from verges, etc.
Kitchen waste amounted to 330 tons, and was cleared chiefly
from individual containers in Mottingham and Lamorbey areas
and a number of 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.
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 improved; cardboard and mixed papers are in keen demand
and so are textiles.
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, 1936.
Charges for Removal of Trade Refuse:—
Small quantities—6d. per bin or skep.
Large quantities—Charge based on cost involved.
Bulk container—£16 per annum for one collection per week.