Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-30
THE GARBAGE PROBLEM.

Secretary Tindall Tells How the Work ID
Done i'm Providence.
Several days ago the Commissioners ordered
the secretary to the board, DR.. William Tindall,
to proceed to Providence, r. l., and report the
method in vogue there Of collecting and dispos-
ing Of garbage.
Today he submitted his report, in which he
says:
The garbage is collected by a contractor,
whose agreement runs for five years. He an
nually receives 151l cents for each man, woman
and child in the city, according to o yearly
enumeration, based on the United States or
municipal census, with an approximate estimate
Of each annual increase added 1t is now es-
tlmated at 49,. 900. This estimate Of the popu-
lation is made by the municipal superintendent
OF health each May. The garbage contractor is
paid out Of the general fund. The amount for
this service is included in the annual estimates
Of the health department.
The 'swill contractor removes the garbage
from all places except provision stores and
markets. the proprietors Of which are required
to dispose of the refuse at their own expense.
Any householder or proprietor may dispose of
garbage otherwise than through the "swill
contractor with the consent Of the super
intendent of health and the contractor. The
contractor is required TO call three times a week
~ eacH place from tne nrst oil NAV 10 the last OF
October and twice a week during the other por-
ton OF the year. His practice is to call every
day in emergencies when deemed necessary
for the public health.
HOW 1T IS COLLECTED.
The garbage is collected from receptacles
kept by householders in the back yards and
dwellings in two horse and three horse
fonr-wheeled carts, with oblong water
tight boxes capable Of holding from
two to three tons each according to the
character OF the swill. some kinds being lighter
than others, principally because Of their con-
tanning less water. The carts are covered and
provided with a hinged door on the top near
the back end. Each cart is accompanied bv q
driver and helper. The driver assists in fill
ing the cart and is the responsible attendant
The drivers and helpers are all Portuguese and
are valued not only for their industry. but for
their ignorance of English. which prevents
their wasting time in idle conversations with
servants, practice which previously gave
considerable embarrassment to the gar
bage service when conducted by
Engiish-speaking men. Eighteen of these
carts are used all the year round. and make two
trips day, except on Sunday. and are thor
ough washed out each trip. During the winter
in this latitude the removal of the frozen con-
tents Of receptacles consumes 80 much lime
and the travelling on ice and snow is SO difficult
that about the same number of wagons
is necessary to keep the service in fun
operation as in the summer. After
having collected the garbage the contractor is
at liberty to dispose of it in any manner he
pleases that will not cause nuisance. Some
OF it Is sold to hog raisers, some to truck farm
ers and quite an amount Of il is delivered at
works where the fat ia extracted and the re-
manning solids ground for fertilizing purposes