Methods used for sampling and analysis of refuse from Madras, India, are described. Physical and chemical characteristics of the refuse collected from residential, commercial, market and industrial areas were studied over a period of time. Studies carried out on intestinal parasites in city refuse showed that only two parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuristrichuria, were commonly present. Incidence of these parasites was highest in samples collected from slum and low income group areas. © 1984.