18th Avenue To Lose Trash Cans

According to the Home Reporter, the Department of Sanitation has approved a one month pilot program to remove trash bins from 18th Avenue between Bay Ridge Parkway and 65th Street. The program was in response to complaints of overflowing receptacles being improperly used to dispose of household garbage.

A similar program for 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge is expected to end this month. It had mixed results, with some residents complaining of increased litter on the sidewalks.

Similarly, many in Bensonhurst are already expressing doubts about the effect the program will have on litter along this stretch of 18th Avenue.

From the Home Reporter:

“That will not stop them, they are just going to throw it in the street,” said Richard Marinello, a lifelong resident of Bensonhurst. “There is going to be even more garbage now – you better believe it.”

Mohamad Ibrahim, 19, who works at one of the stores on 18th Avenue, agreed. “It’s going to be crazy with no cans,” he said. “They should not take them away. People are still going to throw their stuff in the street.”

Diane Desimone, a neighborhood resident, also said there would be more of a mess. “Garbage is going to definitely be thrown in the street, regardless of if the cans are there are not,” she opined.

Only one person quoted in the article seemed to like the idea.

Emma Lucido had a more optimistic outlook. “If there is no can there, they should not throw anything away,” she told the Home Reporter. “It might help – I am hopeful.”

What do you think? Will this prevent household trash from cluttering up our streets? Or will it just encourage more litter, placing a higher burden on store owners and residents?

Home Reporter: Trash can removal pilot program approved for 18th Avenue