To combat this imposing problem, New York turned to a man equal to the task: George Waring. George Waring was hired as its commissioner in 1895. Waring was a "sanitary engineer," his resume included raising cavalry for the Union Army in the Civil War, designing the entire agriculture and drainage system of Ogden Farm in Newport, Rhode Island, and the incredible feat of draining Central Park in 1893. His task in 1895: to clean up New York City's streets.

George Waring, who had once served as a major in the Civil War, approached New York's sanitation problem with the precision necessary to win a war. Furthermore, Waring meant to win. He established the Street Cleaning Department, the employees of which were nicknamed the "White Wings" in reference to their pristine white getup, helmets included.

The former major launched New York's first waste-disposal program ever. While Wealthier neighborhoods were kept clean by private crews, paid for by their inhabitants. Waring's goal was to assist the less fortunate, starting his campaign by targeting low-income areas with his army of "White Wings." His efficient cleaning militia quickly gained public support.

This was not an easy task, street cleaners of the day had a lousy reputation for laziness, rough comportment, and bribe-taking. Indeed, when the White Wings were first deployed, locals would hurl bricks and rocks at them. However, his efficient cleaning militia quickly gained public support. The Wings were given clear, direct tasks, overseen with rigorous precision. Not only were the White Wings used to clean streets, but they also performed other important civic duties. Shoveling and removing snow after blizzards.

To assist his Street Cleaning Department, Waring created the Juvenile Leagues. Children were taught not to litter or leave garbage on the street, knowledge which they then communicated to their parents who, for the most part, did not speak English. Waring sought to engage communities in the larger effort of cleaning the city.

The success of the White Wings was widespread and largely celebrated. In 1896, a parade was held in their honor. Unfortunately for Commissioner Waring, his fame would lead to his demise. As the country's foremost sanitary engineer, Waring, at President McKinley's, went to conduct a public health study in Cuba at the close of the Spanish-American War. Whilst there, he contracted yellow fever and, upon returning to New York, promptly died.

While Waring died, his work did not die with him. The White Wings remained a steadfast part of New York for years, donning their uniforms and cleaning the streets from trash, grime, and snow.