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40
Three fires occurred in 1962, all, fortunately of a minor
character. One was in a factory using petroleum mixtures, but the
storage area was not involved, the second was probably due to an
electrical fault in a pump which was in any case about to be
replaced, and the third involved a petroil dispenser whilst it was
being moved.
PUBLIC CLEANSING, REFUSE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL.
I am indebted to the Cleansing, Salvage and Transport Officer
for the following information.
The volume of refuse is still increasing and this is in line with
the general trend throughout the country, due in a large measure
to the increased use of electricity and oil for heating. This trend
demands changes in our transport requirements which means
vehicles of larger capacity, with a high degree of packing in order
to maintain schedules. Compression of refuse within the vehicle
is now an important factor to avoid the uneconomic use of transport.
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 one and three quarter million
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 180,000
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 200 tons, and was cleared chiefly
from individual containers in Mottingham and Lamorbey areas
and a number of schools. This service ended in March, 1962.
Disposal of the refuse was carried out at St. Paul's Cray Hill
Park, where low lying ground is being reclaimed.