Know a location that could use a corner litter basket?
A quick stroll through Maria Hernandez Park or Knickerbocker Avenue will remind you that litter is still rampant throughout Bushwick. A problem that many locals blame on the lack of public trash cans available on the streets.
On Monday, October 18, The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) sent out a Tweet and Posted on IG acknowledging the lack of public trash cans across many New York City Neighborhoods. Now you can request one! DSNY has said if you'd like to request a garbage can, all you need to do is request one online or by calling 311.
However, there are a few restrictions. Some litter baskets can only be placed at commercial street corners along standard collection routes. DSNY does not accept requests for NEW little baskets in residential areas.
“Litter baskets are placed at commercial street corners with a high volume of pedestrian traffic along standard collection routes so that we can service them regularly”
”These are places where people are likely to have ‘walking trash’ - coffee cups, candy wrappers, which is what corner baskets are for. It is illegal and plain wrong to use them for household or business trash”
All requests generated through 311 are historically investigated and answered within five business days.
However, some locals are expressing problems with the system.
"I've logged two complaints about a sidewalk being filthy with piles of trash and 311 keeps closing them and telling me there's no problem," one NY resident commented on an Instagram post. "I no longer trust this process —incredibly frustrating and disappointing."
What can we do??
There are organizations and programs, local to Bushwick and across the city, that aim to help keep streets clean and pick up after their neighbors. Organizations such as Clean Bushwick Initiative help locals clean up and educate the public on environmental issues. Gragnani suggests that individuals can also volunteer with the city's Adopt-A-Basket program to help keep litter baskets from overflowing.
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Clean Bushwick Initiative started over 5 years ago to address the litter issues in Bushwick. They have partnered with many different community groups, local politicians, residents, and business owners to educate the community on issues related to sustainability, recycling, tree and rain, garden care, and the value of community work.
Your role can range from cleaning up parks, sidewalks, trees, rain gardens, and maintenance. The group regularly hosts events with businesses and city agencies to do clean-ups.
