Highest Rated Comments


poliuy103 karma

Yes, I'm from the Bay Area as an Environmental Programs Manager and garbage can placement is HUGE. We have taken a page from Disneyland and tried placing our cans in closer proximity to each other AND in locations where people will likely have trash with them (e.g outside of restaurants, picnic areas, etc.). The problem is the cost of maintenance. All of those cans have to be emptied at least once a week, and the cost of installing them can be pricey (we once got a quote for 10 cans at 10k). So while adding more cans is the best, figuring out placement of what you have is a great BMP.

You should give data driven results of litter reduction when cans are repurposed in new locations and the area of effect for each can (a little markers around the can on a map to show trash is reduced within this area).

Also I would add pet waste in your study for litter. Many agencies will have to come into compliance with F.coli TMDLs for their watersheds. Reducing pet waste has been shown to help in bringing that down (as well as reducing excess sediment and vegetation). Anyway, I love the idea and progress your team has made, keep up the good work :).

poliuy33 karma

Most I have spoke with actually believe it is biodegradable and they are actually helping by throwing it on the ground. Education is important.

poliuy27 karma

Homeless are absolutely trash generators in the worst locations (e.g next to rivers). Solving it however will take a combined approach of mental healthcare, community supports, and housing.

poliuy8 karma

Some of it is people not caring like throwing a fast food bag out the window. Other times is stuff people thing is biodegradable like cigarette butts. Commercial polluting is also huge, for example, package wrapping is tossed out when putting in landscaping, or other construction related littering. Also another is homeless.