Refuse Collections
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Refuse collections
‘Dustbin men’, ‘dustmen’ or ‘ashmen’ were the individuals responsible for the very important job of collecting household waste, often carrying heavy metal bins on their shoulders from the back of houses to the collection cart where it would be tipped into the side of the cart. All household rubbish was contained in the bin and included fire ash, food waste, paper, cans, bottles and so on. They were known for their hard work and were a common sight on the estate.
Dustbin men, 1950s
Manchester Corporation dustcart, 1950s
The side of the vehicle features the words ‘Manchester Corporation Cleansing Department’ alongside the city’s coat of arms.
Typical dustcart showing dustbin men carrying and tipping the bins into the side of the cart, 1950s
It was a smelly, dirty job done by men who usually wore a smile on their face.
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