Garbage scow
A garbage scow is a large watercraft used to transport refuse and waste/garbage across waterways. It is often in the form of a barge which is towed or otherwise moved by means of tugboats; however, many are also self-propelled. They are most common in large, coastal cities, such as New York City,[1] which may transport collected trash to neighboring ports for disposal or, occasionally, even illegally dump the payload at sea.[2][3]
The garbage scow Mobro 4000, which was given the nickname the "Gar-Barge", became notorious in 1987 for travelling between New York City and Belize trying unsuccessfully to get rid of a load of rubbish, ultimately incinerated in New York.
Garbage scows have been used to covertly transport illegal substances in the US. In 1948, the
In another case, during the 1920–1933 era of US prohibition of alcoholic beverages, a garbage scow in New York was used to smuggle 1,000 cases of liquor from New York's "rum row".[4]
See also
- Beach cleaner
- Garbage truck
References
- ^ a b "Hunt for Narcotics Worth $1,500,000 on Garbage Scow". Milwaukee Journal. June 26, 1948. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
- ^ "STATES & CITIES: Garbage". Time. June 1, 1931. Archived from the original on December 15, 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
- ^ Peterson, Iver (August 31, 1987). "New Concern Raised By Waste-Dumping In Atlantic Off L.I." New York Times. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
- ^ "Garbage Scow Carries Booze". San Jose Evening News. July 30, 1930. Retrieved 2 December 2010.