They were also in charge of the latrines and cesspools, and disposing of animal carcasses. These precast concrete cesspools and septic tanks are still manufactured and in use today worldwide. It is fairly tolerant of pollution and can live in sewage lagoons and cesspools. Unlined cesspools and lagoons were used to store liquid waste. The poorer majority used communal facilities built above cesspools in backyards and courtyards. All new construction in areas without waste sewer systems use these new precast cesspools. Empty cans were used to flush the toilets because the cesspools were always clogged. The collapsing cesspools were mostly due to older cesspools built with brick or cinder block. Cesspools before this had received mostly solid waste. Consequently, these areas became cesspools of hunger and disease, where many hundreds of thousands died. Cesspools were cleaned only at night, to reduce the smell and annoyance to the public. In addition, cast concrete cesspools are used commonly in commercial construction for storm water collection. Newer cesspools are cast concrete which dramatically decrease any risk of collapse.