Municipal Housecleaning The Methods and Experiences of American Cities in Collecting and Disposing of Their Municipal Wastes—Ashes, Rubbish, Garbage, Manure, Sewage, and Street Refuse

"Municipal Housecleaning" by William Parr Capes and Jeanne Daniels Carpenter is a detailed exploration of how American cities managed urban waste in the early 1900s. It highlights the critical role of organized systems for dealing with garbage, sewage, and other refuse, which are all essential for public health and making cities look better. The book starts by stressing that keeping a city clean is super important for its residents' well-being, especially as cities get more crowded, and advocates for the need for cities to find better, more science-based solutions. The authors promote teamwork and the use of new techniques as key ways for city leaders to boost their waste management strategies, providing practical insights for modernizing cleaning practices, with the aim of sharing important findings and encouraging adoption of modern methods.