MODERN METHODS OF STREET CLEANING 



Such refuse is not always kept separate from inflam- 

 mable matters and ashes, but in cities where the so-called 

 reduction process is employed for the final disposition 

 of this class of refuse, and in those places in which 

 any part is fed to hogs, an effort is made by the 

 public scavengers to keep the garbage unmixed with 

 other refuse. 



In American houses refuse is generally placed in barrels 

 which are set just outside the houses for the scavenger 

 private Re- to empty on his rounds. In cities which have 

 qeptacies alleys, the refuse is taken away from the rear, 

 but in many large cities, as in New York, the refuse is 

 placed in front of the houses to await the scavenger's 

 call. In some foreign cities not only the contents 

 but the receptacle itself is carried away and an empty 

 and clean one is left in its place. This custom is not 

 uncommon among private scavengers in America in 

 dealing with the kitchen refuse of hotels and restau- 

 rants. In many English cities the refuse, ashes, sweep- 

 ings, and garbage are thrown into pits ; these are emptied 

 at much longer intervals than might seem sanitary to 

 Americans. For garbage alone, metal receptacles are 

 practically indispensible. House receptacles for refuse 

 are usually too small. 



It should be unnecessary to say that the wagons used 



to haul away refuse should be especially adapted to 



their work, but it is common to see unsuitable 



Wagons and 



Length of vehicles employed. The wagons should be 

 large, low-bodied, light, tight, covered and 

 easily emptied. Dust-proof scavenger wagons are used 

 in many European cities. With the best of these it 

 is possible to empty a barrel of ashes without scatter- 

 ing the dust. This is accomplished by using a wagon 



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