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60
SECTION G.
REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL.
Mr. Crowe reports: —
I am pleased to be able to report that the regular weekly collection
of household refuse was maintained throughout the year with only
slight disturbances at Bank Holidays. The fortnightly service was
maintained for the rural parts of the district.
The foreman has given most loyal service and the collecting teams
have been enthusiastic in their work and by the working of overtime
following Bank Holidays, the normal rounds were quickly restored.
It is essential, to my mind, to collect in each road on the same day
each week, and at about the same time, and every endeavour is made
to do this.
The Council own a fleet of 12 side-loading refuse collecting
vehicles and 42 workmen are engaged on the service (including the
foreman).
The method of operating the collections is the relay system.
A team of collectors works with two vehicles and drivers and
change from one vehicle to the other when a load is taken to the
refuse tip, thus ensuring that the collectors' time is not wasted.
Approximately 17,000 tons of refuse were collected from the
21,000 premises in the district.
All the refuse is disposed of by means of controlled tipping on
low-lying land at Budgin's Hill, Pratts Bottom, which was obtained by
compulsory purchase following a Ministry of Housing and Local
Government public inquiry. Tipping was commenced at this site on
the 22nd August.
The amount of refuse to be disposed of has increased each year
since the war, and particularly since building restrictions were lifted.
It became essential to employ mechanical aid at the tip, and a Fordson
Major Tractor Muledozer was purchased in May. This machine
has proved to be invaluable in maintaining the tip in accordance with
the principles of controlled tipping and has also saved manpower.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government Public Cleansing
Returns for 1954/55 showed that of the Authorities making a return,
301 were disposing of refuse by controlled tipping and 60 by
mechanical means (Destructor).