What was the decline of the rag-and-bone man profession attributed to?

The decline of the rag-and-bone man profession was attributed to several factors, including urbanization, which reduced the need for scavenging in cities, and the rise of modern waste management systems. Additionally, increased consumerism led to less reliance on second-hand goods, while the advent of recycling programs diminished the demand for rag-and-bone men’s services.