Domestic and Trade Refuse Collection
Page 57
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IN his paper on the collection of house and trade refuse Mr. Us Ardern, director of public cleansing, Blackpool, deals with some of the apparently simple problems of refuse collection, rather than with the more intricate technical matters which appeal only to the expert. The disposal of refuse should not, in his opinion, hinder or interfere with anyone, but with the collection service the problem is -different, for it must obtrude itself because it has to be staged in every street.
In his opinion, sight must not be lost of the fact that local conditions always play an important part in the choice of the system employed and in the selection. of suitable equipment. Statements, he Says, are often made about the changing nature of the refuse, but this is not a local condition—it is general. The increasing use of gas and electricity is dis= placing the wasteful open coal fire, with the result that there is a reduction in the yield of refuse on a tonnage basis, but, on the other hand, there is an increased volume.
In connection with this important question, he mentions that the Institute of Public Cleansing has undertaken the task of collecting reliable data from representative towns. Pa indicate the wide variation existing in classified areas, the author extracts from the cost return for 1931 the details of refuse collection for the five principal seaside resorts, the particulars being as follow :—
The composition of refuse produced in one area is not standard with that of another of different character, and these varying conditions provide complex problems for responsible cleansing officers, who always have in mind the fact that 1 s. per ton on or off the country's collection costs means to the ratepayer an expenditure or saving of approximately £500,000 per annum.
In inland towns the greater yield of refuse is, of course, produced during the winter period, but in many seaside towns the position is reversed, for the obvious reason that the population is temporarily increased during the summer.
The Influence of Physical Features.
Discussing the physical features of districts, and afte.r dealing with areas in which building development is in progress, he mentions that the difficulties attending collection work in hilly districts are numerous. The driver is not available for loading or trimming.
The author then proceeds to deal with the part played by the receptacle in the collection equipment, which he regards as the connecting link between the householder and the cleansing department. He thinks it illogical that vehicle bodies should be designed so as to remove the contents of bins without causing the slightest offence, whereas the method of storage is sometimes permitted under the worst possible eonditions.
He points out that the number of houses to the acre directly influences cost of collection, because it might be necessary to travel a mile, or even two, for a full load, whereas it is passible to collect two or threeloads in a distance of a few hundred yards from a back street.
Afterdealing with the problem of collection in narrow back streets, as exist in certain parts of Blackpool, Mr. Ardent proceeds to discuss the collection of different classes of refuse, and says that experience proves that, where possible, it is desirable to collect fish offal, waste paper and trade refuse separately. In connection with the first-named, he says that the interchange-bin system is the most hygienic.
For waste paper, strawboard, etc., he uses a 30-ewt. pucematic-tyred electric vehicle, which collects hessian sacks 4 ft. 6 ins. by .3 ft., approximately 40 comprising a load and, when they are collected; empty bags' are left for filling.
Circumstances usually necessitate a separate daily collection of trade refuse; as the yield from many of the large shops, markets, etc., often assumes' enormous proportions.
A point always to be kept in mind is the site of disposal, because it is important to see that empty vehicles start from the farthest point and travel towards the fixed point while being filled.
In his comments on the various systems of transport available he makes it clear that the deciding factors are always (a) class of refuse; (h) the lengths cif haul and "carry," and (e) the amoant of working time (if any) lost by the collectors.
Mr. Ardern stresses the fact that manufacturers, to-day, are providing for the special requirements of public cleansing authorities and, whilst he is mindful of the efforts of makers, he points out that economy, in operation and 'freedoin from breakdown depend upon the care and attention given by the driver and the efficiency of the maintenance staff.
Vehicle Types and Their Suitability.
lie deals with specific types of vehicle that are available and, in considering the petrol vehicle, says that the operating costs over comparative periods show a wide difference. He adds, however, that the main consideration is not so much the first cost as the suitability of the vehicles, and points out that the low-price chassis often compares. unfavourably with specially designed refuse collectors., He makes a passing reference to the oil engine and. to the fact that smaller types of power unit are being introduced.
In dealing with the electric vehicle, Mr. Ardern mentions that his experience with this type of vehicle for refuse-collection work has been satisfactory. He says that the battery manufacturer will be well advised to continue his attempts to reduce the weight of the cells in proportion to the capacity of the battery.
Discoursing on the useful and economic life of the electric vehicle, he points out that in Blackpool they have two 8i-ton machines, over 17 years old, the older vehicle having travelled last year 7,118 miles, during which it consumed 7,572 units and collected 2,661 tons of refuse at a cost of 2s. 10d. per ton (including driver, but excluding loaders' wages).
The next subject that comes under his notice is that of types of body, Although he admits that exposure of tho refuse is objectionable, beadds that various devices for dustless loading; and providing for the covering-in of the refuse unfortunately introduce the question of weight from the taxation standpoint.
In closing his paper, he says that, during the past five years the general administration charges for, the refuse collection service in Blackpool have increased by 7 per cent. per annum, but the value of the expenditure is given in the following table of results:— 1.92. •1931-2.
• Net cost per 1,000 population... ... £182.23 Net cost per 1,000 premises .,.. £553.93. . £428.80. Average. haul ... mile '514 milee Type of vehicle Open wagons • .75 per Cent...