City By-Law On Rubbish Collection Explained

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30499, 22 July 1964, Page 10

City By-Law On Rubbish Collection Explained

The Christchurch City Council’s by-laws require householders to provide enough regulation dust bins to hold all rubbish put out for collection, according to the City Engineer (Mr P. G. Scoular). The question of the householder’s responsibility in that respect was posed by a correspondent in a letter to the editor of “The Press.” “Harewood Road” wrote:— “I suppose it is not often that our rubbish collectors have someone to champion their cause, but in this instance I think it is well deserved. Most of these men have developed a rhythm in co-operation among themselves to speed their work; but I have frequently seen them show amazing selfcontrol as they have ‘left behind’ some of what they were expected to carry. The street has truly been more like the aftermath of a tornado when they have passed, but we cannot blame them for refusing to carry loose papers, packing, and cartons. It would be most fitting if the City Council should make known, repeatedly, if necessary, to the general public, just what constitutes the limit of rubbish collections and to plead for an even greater sense of responsibility and co-opera-tion in keeping our streets clean.” Council Comment When the letter was referred to him, Mr Scoular said that letters of appreciation of the rubbish 'collectors’ services were not unknown, and complaints regarding the service were few when it was considered that some 3,500,000 tins were emptied each year. “Checks in Harewood road in recent weks have shown that the collection has been made with little or no spilling,” he said. “It is possible that the instance referred to by the writer occurred while open trucks were being used when the enclosed compressor type trucks were recently under repair. “The men engaged in the collection of rubbish tins are required to carry out their work without spilling and to return the tin, with lid, to the position where found. The residents for their part can assist and make the task

pleasanter by ensuring that the rubbish is wrapped and that their tin Is kept in a sanitary condition. The tin should contain only household rubbish with no hot ashes or garden rubbish. The contents should not be so tightly packed as to make their removal difficult. Being Reviewed

“The by-laws relating to rubbish collection are at present being reviewed, and it is expected that a new and improved type of bin will be available towards the end of this year. In brief, the present by-laws require the occupier to provide a sufficient number of regulation dust bins to contain all the rubbish from the premises in one week. These bins are to be placed on the footpath in front of the premises and are to be removed immediately after being emptied. “The present ‘regulation dust bin’ is one complying with the New Zealand Standard Specification Number 308, which calls for a tapered galvanised mild steel bin with a fitting lid. The specification allows for three sizes of bin of nominal capacity of 1, lj or 2 cubic feet. Garden rubbish is not permitted and the maximum weekly allowance a household or selfcontained flat is four cubic feet of household rubbish.”