Incineration is the most sanitary method of disposing of farm wastes. Garbage, however, is not easily burned. Figure 16 shows a type of incinerator[12] suitable for farm homes. Details of construction for a brick incinerator are given in figure 17. Brick, stone, concrete, or other fire-resistant material may be used. Commercial incinerators, some of which are designed to be built into the house, also are available, although these cost considerably more than the home-made type shown. [12] Blueprints of this design may be obtained from the extension agricultural engineers at most of the State colleges. A limited quantity of refuse may be burned in a kitchen range or a furnace, but it may cause accumulations of grease in the flue and require frequent cleaning to prevent fire. Next to burning, burial is the most desirable method of waste disposal. Waste material may be deposited in a trench 3 or 4 feet wide, 7 or 8 feet long, and 4 or 5 feet deep and covered with earth when filled to within 18 inches of the top. If there is no fire hazard, the contents of the trench may be burned. Garbage may be included in a compost heap with leaves, peat, manure, and similar materials. The compost pile should be in an inconspicuous place, built up to the desired height with materials that will rot, and then covered with 2 or 3 inches of earth. The top should be level and the sides steep sloping. It is necessary that the material being composted be kept moist; otherwise it will not rot. Frequently commercial fertilizer is added to increase the fertilizing value of the compost. Ashes and clinkers removed from furnaces should be placed in metal containers to eliminate fire hazard. Wood ashes may be spread on the lawn or garden, as they have some fertilizing value. [Illustration: Figure 16.--A satisfactory incinerator for household use.] [Illustration: Figure 17.--Details of construction of the household incinerator pictured in figure 16.] Trash burners of various designs suitable for burning small quantities of paper and rags are available or may be improvised. The main requirements are provision for adequate draft and for preventing the escape of burning paper or live embers. U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1948 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25. D. C. -- Price 10 cents * * * * * Transcriber Note Illustrations were repositioned so as to not split paragraphs. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of USDA Farmers' Bulletin No. 1950, by J. W. Rockey and J. W. Simons