It's only after November 1883 that it became compulsory, for the Parisians, to put their garbage into cans (called Poubelles in French, after the name of Eugène Poubelle who invented them). Now 3,000 tons of garbage are produced everyday in Paris, all buildings have their cans (that are provided by the city) and they are collected daily (except for glass and "dry" stuff) by 435 garbage trucks (so the town hall says, I did not count them!). A large part of these trucks is (are?) powered with natural gas (the same you use in your home to cook meals). Much more about Paris garbage history (should you be interested?) here.
The fellow on the back of the truck may be riding a garbage truck; but, hey! He's riding a garbage truck IN PARIS!!! Love this shot, Eric. A very good night (early morning) shot. I love the light and feel like I'm right there in the picture. . .I can just hear the truck clattering away now. Merci!
ReplyDelete-Kim
PS. is Poubelles pronounced "poo-bells"?
Kim,
ReplyDeletePoubelles is prononced "Poo-bell"
Great post Eric. All the sights without the smell! I'm always amazed at how they make it down the narrow streets!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shot Eric ! Amazing ! I love it !
ReplyDeleteSandra
I have the utmost respect to garbage men. Great shot, Eric, it's in a kind of "Amélie"-like color scheme.
ReplyDeletei've always loved the word "poubelle." thanks for the origin and of course the photo.
ReplyDeleteReally love this shot. Thank you so much Eric. I love "poubelles" in Paris. they are so stylish !
ReplyDeleteBren
Poubelles, stylish? Interesting view point. I suppose that's true ... as long as they're not on strike ;-)
ReplyDeleteI never knew poubelle, but im sure he smelt like garbage... lots of love, Zion Gillatronian
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit late here, but seeing this shot reminds me of my first trip to Paris years ago. We stayed in the 6th Arr. in a tiny room on the 3rd floor overlooking Rue de la Huchette. Of course we're right in the middle of the Quartier Latin, and the revelry outside would continue until very late at night. Needless to say, each morning we would hear the garbage trucks coming by around 0600 each day clanking around and waking us up !
ReplyDeleteWonderful and informative web site. I used information from that site its great. » »
ReplyDelete