View report page

38
ASH RECEPTACLES AND COLLECTION.
During the past year new galvanised iron ashbins have
been provided to dwelling houses after service of notices,
at the rate of approximately four per week. This is only
a small proportion of the total new bins provided annually
in the Borough, the remainder being provided without the
need of official intervention.
Unfortunately, there are many owners of property who
make a point of buying the cheapest receptacle obtainable,
and they often express surprise when the ashbins are
speedily worn out. With every notice requiring the proyision
of new ashbins a recommendation is sent that the
new receptacle should be of a prescribed minimum size
and quality. It has been found that the greater number
of owners do pay heed to this recommendation. An unsuccessful
attempt has also been made to obtain the cooperation
of all retailers of ash receptacles by requesting
them not to stock any below the suggested standard, which
is a very reasonable one.
Not all the blame for speedy deterioration of ashbins
can be allotted to poor quality and manufacture. The
almost general misuse of ashbins by tenants is surprising
in these days of enlightenment and it is a difficult practice
to control. The average housewife resents even the
mildest hint that anything wet should not be placed in
the bins and usually suggests that the defective condition
is due to rough handling by the dust collectors.
The number of houses where it is a requirement that
the ashbins shall be deposited on the forecourt in readiness
for the collectors was considerably reduced during the past
year in accordance with the decision of your Council. The
complete discontinuance of this practice is very desirable
from all points of view.
The collection and disposal of refuse is carried out
under the supervision of the Borough Surveyor, who
informs me that in twenty-six roads, where it used to be
customary for the ashbins to be deposited on the footpaths
or forecourts on collection days, they are now emptied
from the rear of the houses. Comparatively few roads
now remain to be dealt with.