[LowPolygon]

​

this seems like a good time to visit the olden days of garbage in our fair city. yes, there is a history here...

​

the most immediate thing you notice is the sameness of it all; its an era before packaging, and definitely before plastic. these are all from around 1915.

first use of standardized metal trash cans, 1917​

early garbage truck, 1929.

apparently, horses were used for garbage pickup as late as the late 1930's.

this is an early street cleaning truck. 1920's.

not quite sure what this thing did.

the early 40's seems to be the birth of the 'keep toronto clean' movement. these are public health officials 'tsk tsk-ing' the problem of trash in the city. one guy looks like he's about to pull out his tommy gun and shoot the garbage full of holes.

the solution? the "Sanivan"! it entered the picture in 1941​

the "Sanivan" made garbage exciting!

and fun!

these are from a "beautify toronto" parade in 1948.

a job well done!

 

[Blovertis]

Fascinating. Apparently garbage back then was so clean that children could lap the sweet juices leaking off the trucks.

 

[Prometheus The Supremo]

fascinating. Apparently garbage back then was so clean that children could lap the sweet juices leaking off the trucks.

lol!!

 

[jaborandi]

Please let's see some pix of the early MadVac 2000s

 

[androiduk]

Thks deepend, fascinating thread.

 

[Aaron]

Was it illegal to go without a hat in the 40's?

 

[Urban Shocker]

The powerful whale oil lobby eventually got the production of hippo oil banned, but it's nice to be reminded that it was once a vital part of our local economy.

 

[Edward Skira]

A very important day in the history of the world. My dad was born on this day.

 

[LowPolygon]

A very important day in the history of the world. My dad was born on this day.

a cool coincidence! i've been trying to figure out where that photo was taken...
that apartment building looks very familiar. could be Parkdale somewhere...?

 

[Mustapha]

Those galvanized steel home garbage cans - I have two still in use - they date back to the 50s when my parents bought them for their 1st home.

 

[casaguy]

that apartment building looks very familiar. could be Parkdale somewhere...?

Yes it is SOOO familiar. Could it be Roncesvalles around Garden Ave?

...great thread by the way.

 

[junctionist]

I think we need a modern "beautify Toronto" parade. Now, removing graffiti needs to also be emphasized.

 

[adma]

Now, removing graffiti needs to also be emphasized.

Ah, so that's what hippo oil can be used for...

 

[Prometheus The Supremo]

what's hippo oil?

 

[adma]