Dorchester Illustration no. 2400 Harvard Garbage Receptacle
People of a certain age may remember the backyard garbage receptacle. It seems that every backyard in Dorchester had metal receptacle set into the ground to contain household food waste until collection day.
When plastic bags became ubiquitous, there was no longer a need for these receptacles. Many of them were dug up and disposed of. I know of one that was dug up only about 10 years ago.
The introduction of the receptacle must have been greeted enthusiastically. The receptacle, which could hold about 20 gallons had a cover that could be flipped open by stepping on a projecting handle. Garbage could be simply dropped in. After collection, the homeowner could take out the inner pail for cleaning.
The Harvard Garbage Receptacle Co. was located at 116 Harvard Street, Dorchester. A quick internet search shows that the Harvard Garbage Receptacle Co. appeared in the New England Business Directory for 1922 and the Boston Register and Business Directory for 1921. Since many directories are not available online, we don’t know how long the company was in business.
The statement on the flyer refers to receptacles replacing the old swill house, which “contributes disease to your household and melody to wakeful slumberers by feeding the prowling beasts of the night and the rats and mice for your garret gives birth to millions of germ carrying flies. Our underground system protects the home from disease, beautifies the surroundings.”