The Horsfall refuse destructor, an incinerator, was patented by William Horsfall of Leeds in 1887. At the time it claimed to be the most effective and hygienic method of waste disposal. Such machines, often constructed with several incinerator cells, were acquired by many local councils across the country.

From the 1870s local authorities had had a legal responsibility to collect and then dispose of

Rubbish and what they could not bury they burned with machines like this one. The heat they

generated was often used to create steam or electrical power for the local community, while the residue of clinker left after burning could also be used during the manufacture of cement.

The connection between poor sanitation and ill health was recognised by the manufacturer, as indicated in a 1904 publicity booklet for the destructor; "Destruction by fire is recognised as the right means of disposal of Rubbish, which, unless promptly dealt with, is a grave danger to health".