When Robert and his father reached home after their visit to the garbage disposal plant, the boy told his mother about what they had seen.
“Mother, it was so interesting!” he exclaimed. “The garbage was thrown on broad belts which moved slowly forward on very long tables. Men were seated on each side of the tables, and they raked the garbage over with little rakes.”
“I should think that would be unpleasant work,” said his mother.
“That is what I thought, too; but the guide who took us through the plant laughed when I said so. ‘The men like that work,’ he said, ‘because they can have whatever they find. Sometimes they find silver spoons; sometimes things of more value. One man last year found a diamond ring which he sold for two hundred dollars.’”
“That does make it seem different, doesn’t it, Robert?” said his mother. “But how careless some people must be to lose such valuable things! Where do the moving belts take the garbage?”
“To great vats where steam is driven through it, and the grease is melted down. The grease is sold for making oils and soap; the other part is made into fertilizer,” explained Robert.
“I am glad to know about it, for I have never given the matter much thought,” his mother said. “I wish every one knew how much is done for us when we put the garbage can out for the collectors.”