Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-23
THE GARBAGE SERVICE
The Health Omcer submits Estimstss %
the Commissioner

the Commissioner
HI RAvoRs MAKING A CONTRACT FOR 1--WE rEARs,
AND THINKS S45, 600 YEAR SHOULD Re srPRo-
PRIArEp-rHE REQUIREMENTS EMBODIED IN TEE
fRorosALs-THE QUESTION OF IscNERATioS.
Health Officer Hammett today submitted to
the Commissioners an estimate Of the amount
necessary for the support of the garbage ssrv-
ice. together with new specifications.
In submitting his estimates for the garbage
service he says:
II IL is decided that the labor shall be per-
formed by contract running through Eve years.
and taking as . basis the expense per capita Of
. number Of cities where the appropriation 10
known to have covered the removal of garbage
alone. the sum required for the District of Co
lumbia would reach something over IL cents
per capita, total, estimating our population
at $50 900, Of nearly si5, 900. and respectfully
ask the insertion of that amount and that an
additional sum Of 5000 be added for employ
ment OF inspectors in the garbage service.
The area Of territory is so much greater to be
gone over by the collectors here than in other
cities, with constantly increasing population
and settlement In the OUTLYING districts. do
not think the amount stated is eKorbitant. To
the contrary, considering the expense attend
OF new agons, steamers and scows, constr II tion
OF suitable buildings at wharves, establishment
OF depots for final reception Of the offal beyond
the District limits. DC. j am Of the opinion
that the estimate is q modest one.
III the contract 10 TO be made yearly and be
given TO the lowest bidder a much larger sum
would be required and am doubtful whether
a responsible bid for so short period would
be received for the performance of the work
and compliance with the terms Of the regula-
IL.
100000. as cnh one bid, under recent pro-
posals for period of nine months the labor 10
be carried on in the old irresponsible manner,
was received, the amount stipulated being
nearly $4,000.
Ny Recommendation is that the proposals be
made with a view 20 making contract tor five
years, subject, of course, &c approval Of and APP
preparations by Congress
THE DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE.
In transmitting the proposals for the collec-
ton, transportation and disposal of garbage
and dead animals he says he has taken into con-
sideration all of the documents received in re-
ply to queries recently addressed 10 thirty five
cities OF the United States in this connection
he SAYS:
While do not at the present time favor in
cineration, have inserted that method in the
proposals with the idea that If such manner OF
disposing of the offal can be accomplished al
tomac, with reasonable assurance Of giving
less offense to the people, thoughtful
consideration should be given to any
proposition made in that direction. Before
accepting such bid. however, the strongest
guarantees should be exacted that the process
should not lie objectionable in any way to the
inhabitants of adjacent dwellings, that nc
noxious odors should be generated, and the
building or buildings constructed tor the pur-
pose not repulsive.
The present system of conveying the garbage
in barrels is Objectionable and needs no fur
years undoubtedly had ocular and nasal proof
thereof.
A water-tight wagon or cart closely covered,
neatly painted, built in such manner that ii
could be easily driven through the alleys and
its load readily discharged at the wharf or fur
mace, would be a grand improvement.
loo much caution cannot be exercised in the
preparation Of the contract, and provisions
should be made imposing fines and penalties, &c
be deducted upon monthly settlement or pay
ment, for violations of any of the specihca'
tons
REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The form of the proposals is submitted with
the report The regulations and requirements
which are made part of the contract, are q,
follows:
All garbage shall be collected and removed
from dwelling houses three times per weel
from the LIST day of April to the 30tn day oil
October and twice per week from the LIST day
OF November to the 3lst day of March in each
year, and from markets, hotels and other places
daily or as often as necessity may require.
Condemned food shall be removed from any
point within the District OF Columbia i'm
mediately upon notification by the health
officer.
All dead ::animals, large and small. must be
collected and removed daily Sunday in
cluded) in close covered wagons. and APP
proved disinfectants freely used in this service
generally. All garbage and refuse animal
and vegetable matter shall be collected and re-
moved in water-tight covered carts or wagons
approved by the health officer, to such poin,
or points in the District of Columbia as may
be designated by him.
All garbage and dead animals must be incin.
Grated or removed by rail or water beyond the
limits of the District of Columbia twice daily
tober and daily from the LIST day of November
to the Slst day of March in each
year to a place or places to be desig-
mated by the bidder and approved by the
health officer. All wagons, carts and other
receptacies, suitable depots or buildings and
appliances of every kind and sort, including
horses and men used, in the service shall be
furnished by the party or parties contracting
for Its performance, and shall be of such con-
dition and character as the health officer shall
approve. All receptacles shall be uniform III
size and construction and shall be kept in q
clearly and credltable condition.
The party or parties contracting for per-
Torrance Of this work shall have a sufficient
number Of new and suitable wagons or carts, OF
kind hereinbefore described, ready for service
on July 1, 1882, and said wagons shall always
be kept in good repair, and in clearly and
creditable condition, and shall be painted and
lettered at least twice every year.
Regular weekly reports shall be made TO the
health officer and ali work shall be done under
his direction and subject to his approval