SCIENCE’S KEY

Shannon News, 24 September 1926, Page 4

SCIENCE’S KEY

| I’ltOlTF OUT OF RUBBISH. | Science provides the kep to the solution of the problem which confronts Greater London in the disposal of its crude rubbish. Many of the larger provincial communities—Glasgow Birmingham, Sheffield, and other places —had similar difficulties to face. They found the primitive system of ■ depositing refuse on open “tpis” prejudicial to health. The “tips” Were breeding grounds of disease, and came under suspicion frpm time to time as . the source of serious and costly epidemics. Accordingly other methods more in accordance with the requirements of modern sanitation were sought, and they, says the ‘Observer,’ 1 were found in the adoption of me* J ehanical appliances, which sift, sort, and grade, and turn to practical account every scrap of refuse. First, the refuse is passed through screens. Electro-magnets extract all tins and , metals. Faction plant takes off the I scrap paper. The residue is passed ' into large furnaces, whero it is converted into clinker. There is no such thing as waste. The line dust, amounting to nearly 50 per cent, of the whole is used for manurial purposes. The paper and tins are bundled and sold, but not until the solder has been extracted from the tins; while the clinker is used for a variety of purposes, 1 ranging from the manufacture of concrete block for house building to sundial stands. It is a first class material for road makings. In the conversion of refuse into clinker great heat is generated, and this is used for driving- electric generators. From the same source power is obtained for works purposes, and the charging of batteries of electric vehicles and light for the illumination of depots. The turnover of the salvage departments of these provincial cities is considerable. Birming- . ham, for instance, which possesses one of the finest and cost complete plants in the kingdom, sows an annual turnover of £44,000. It makes an aggregate of £IO,OOO a year in dealing with the waste material from the slaughterhouse and markets. The fats derived from the treatment of condemned olfal, by the way, are used for soapmoking. Much of the rubbish that finds its way into the refuse tips has no business there. It is estimated that at least 30 per cent, might be saved and turned to useful service by householders themselves instead of left for the salvage departments to deal 'with. If the science of economics were carried to logical conclusion in the home the labour of the dustmen would be considerably lightened and the householder would bo money in pocket . ' —... --u