Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
GARBAGE COLLECTION
GARBAGE COLLECTION. Fear of CHOLERA and the uncertainty of what caused it led efforts to clean up the City of Dubuque in 1866. Barrels were first placed in ALLEYS for kitchen waste collection. Sanitary Commission officials visited homes to inspect all buildings to see how much cleaning was needed.
On June 12, 1866 city officials decided to supply all residences in Dubuque with barrels. These were to be used for the collection of all kinds of garbage. A time for the barrels to be picked up would be established when they were delivered.
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Source:
"Be Prepared," Dubuque Herald, June 12, 1866, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18660612&printsec=frontpage&hl=en