Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
MUNICIPAL HOUSECLEANING
THE METHODS AND EXPERIENCES OF AMERICAN CITIES IN COLLECTING AND DISPOSING OF THEIR MUNICIPAL WASTES—ASHES, RUBBISH, GARBAGE, MANURE, SEWAGE, AND STREET REFUSE
WHO, AS THE FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENTOF THE NEW YORK STATE CONFERENCE OFMAYORS AND OTHER CITY OFFICIALS, WHICHDEVELOPED THAT UNIQUE INSTITUTION, THESTATE BUREAU OF MUNICIPAL INFORMATION,RENDERED A SERVICE OF INESTIMABLE VALUETO THE CITIES OF THE EMPIRE STATE ANDBLAZED A TRAIL FOR BETTER COORDINATION OFMUNICIPAL UNDERTAKINGS, AND MORE EFFECTIVECOOPERATION AMONG AMERICAN CITIES.
PREFACE
In a home free from nuisances which offend the esthetictastes, and either directly or indirectly cause disease, morecontentment and thrift will be found than in the one permeatedwith odors and befouled with dirt and domesticwastes.
So it is with a city, the great home, workshop, and playgroundof its people. Keeping it clean, therefore, is oneof the most important duties of its officials. None otheris more conducive to health, happiness and comfort, thethree great objects for which every community through organizedeffort is striving.
And there is no group of municipal problems which demandsand is now commanding, more scientific thought andmore intelligent business management than the collectionand disposal of a city’s wastes. With every nation applyingthe last ounce of economy and with the increase of populationand its consequent congestion, these problems growin importance and complexity. Higher living standards,a better understanding of the causes of disease, and a keenerappreciation of preventive work have forced municipalitiesto frown upon primitive methods involving individual effort,especially where congestion exists. As a substitutetherefore, more effective means have been and are beingadopted to eliminate by community activity, the nuisancescaused by ashes, rubbish, garbage and dirty streets. Weare also appreciating the need for more efficient managementthan is now preva