WWII Paper Garbage Can

Hi,
Back in the 70s a horrible rainstorm ripped open a sloped field near me. It turns out it was the town dump back in the 30s. We were digging bottles at the time. What amazed me was all of the banana peels that had blackened but never rotted away. There were paper bags full of oyster shells that never composted either.
greg

 

Thanks for all the replies! This was tucked away in the far back corner if Grams basement. She told me they'd had it since she married grandpa in 1947 and she thought it was a garbage can, whatever it may be I know it's neat and in great shape! The material is smooth but not waxy per se, I'll upload some better pics if anyone stilll wants to see them, thanks guys and gals!

 

Inside and bottom would be good. I'm just curious, now.