London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Dagenham 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]
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23
Scavenging.
Collection and Disposal of House and Trade Refuse.
The following figures relate to the cost of this service for the financial year ended 31st March, 1934:—
| Collection. | Disposal. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net cost | £9,492 | £4,752 | £14,244 |
| Net cost per ton | 14s. Od. | 5s. 3d. | 19s. 3d. |
| Net cost per 1,000 population | £99 | £38 | £137 |
| Net cost per 1,000 premises | £440 | £167 | £607 |
| Total refuse collected | 13,576 tons | ||
| Weight per 1,000 population per day | 7.76 cwts. | ||
| No. of houses and premises | 21,553 | ||
All refuse collected by 7 mechanical vehicles.
The difference in the net cost per ton for 1934 against 1933
is accounted for by the fact that last year the weight of refuse
was estimated, whereas this year it was weighed on the Council's
weighbridge.
Refuse Separation and Incineration Plant.
A description of this was included on page 26 of the Annual
Report for 1932. It appears that the establishment of this plant
enables the refuse collected to be dealt with in a satisfactory manner
and at the same time a not inconsiderable revenue is derived from
the salved material.
Earth Closets.
The night soil from the 48 dry earth closets and privy pits
in the district is collected at night in a tumbler cart and deposited
on fields.
Cesspools.
Normally cesspools are emptied by the Council's gully emptier
at monthly intervals. If occasion should arise for emptying more
frequently, this is done and the occupier of the premises charged
for the work. The contents of the gully emptier are now discharged
down the manhole at the separation plant; formerly this was done
down manholes elsewhere in the district and I am informed
occasionally gave rise to complaint.