MODERN METHODS OF STREET CLEANING 



high sides, some dirt is unavoidably spilled. The carts 

 are overfilled arid when they pass over irregularities in 

 the pavements, refuse is jolted out of them. 



Failure to collect house refuse with frequency and 

 regularity causes it to be cast into the carriageways by 

 the people and to fall upon the streets from the house 

 receptacles. It commonly happens that street-sweepers 

 brush refuse into piles and leave it there for many hours 

 without removing it. Traffic and the elements pulverize 

 and scatter the refuse under these circumstances and 

 double the labor necessary to collect it. In many ways 

 street-cleaning authorities by carelessness and want of 

 knowledge of the details of their work often increase the 

 amount and difficulty of their labor. 



In most cities earth from country roads is dropped 

 upon the pavements by the movements of vehicles. In 

 some towns peddlers and push-cart merchants add ma- 

 terially to the dirtying of city streets. Finally, as sources 

 of street dirt may be mentioned the improper storing 

 of sand and other building materials and the sanding 

 of pavements by street-car companies and street-clean- 

 ing authorities. 



As cities grow and become more and more congested; 

 the need and difficulty of keeping the sidewalks and 

 carriageways free from dust and litter increases. It is 

 obvious that a population of 1200 people per acre will 

 produce more waste than a population of 12 per acre 

 and will crowd the pavements more. The denser the 

 population the more people there are likely to be on 

 the streets. In tenement districts the carriageways are 

 often much more frequented by pedestrians than by 

 vehicles. Failing in resources for more healthful em- 

 ployment, the children turn to the filth of the streets 



10 



