Collection Equipment 
Great improvements in design and operation of 
refuse collection equipment have been made in 
recent years. These improvements have been 
accompanied by greatly increased capacities. 
Modern, enclosed, liquid-tight truck bodies prevent 
the spillage of loose material that so often happens 
when open truck bodies are used. They also pre- 
vent leakage of liquids from the vehicle onto city 
streets, which creates an odor nuisance and attracts 
flies. Enclosed trucks also minimize odors emana- 
ting from the contents. Trucks with low loading 
height reduce the danger of employee injury. Com- 
pacting mechanisms increase the load capacity, 
thereby reducing the required number of trips to the 
disposal site. Shorter wheel base on the vehicle 
chassis makes it more maneuverable in narrow 
alleys. All of these desirable features are incorpo- 
rated into many models currently available. Capaci- 
ties vary between 9 and about 38 cubic yards. 
Open trucks may still be used for certain 
classes of refuse. Tree limbs, yard trimmings, bed 
springs, discarded hot water heaters, and other 
noncompressible items, together with ashes, may 
be collected in these vehicles. Tarpaulin covers, 
to be tied down over full and partial loads, should 
be used on open trucks. 
All collection vehicles should be kept clean 
to discourage flies and rats and to avoid an odor 
nuisance on the city streets they traverse. When 
equipment is not cleaned regularly, flies may breed 
in the sludge and grease that adheres to the bottom 
and sides of open trucks or witbin enclosed or 
compactor-type bodies. This adhering material may 
also support a limited rat population in the area 
where the trucks are stored. 
To avoid these health and nuisance problems, 
thorough cleaning at the end of each day’s use is 
recommended. However, when putrescible organic 
matter is washed from collection vehicles, disposal 
of the wash water should be through municipal 
sewers. It should never be allowed to soak into 
the earth, thus creating an attractant for flies and 
rats and a breeding place for flies. 
When collection equipment is antiquated or worn 
out, it should be replaced as soon as possible. 
Operating equipment in poor condition may result 
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