Litterplugs in Ditmas Park

We all know the littering situation in the neighborhood is a little (okay, often a lot) out of control. But what about all the places people put their garbage rather than throwing it on the ground? Someone recently coined the term “litterplugs” to describe that weird habit, and we have plenty of examples in our area.

A coffee cup that can be perfectly wedged into a chain-link fence.

Payphones are popular as an alternate trash can. This one on Newkirk doesn’t have a phone anymore, so its main purpose has basically been turned into being a stand-in trashcan, and is the perfect size for an old flowerpot — which is, actually, also being used as an alternate trashcan.

Some of the lovely stanchions in the neighborhood have, for some reason, a hollow cutout in them, which are perpetually used for trash.

One of the most frustrating things about these litterplugs is that they’re often found mere feet away from a trashcan, like this example on the Church Ave subway platform.

Or this fire call box on the corner of Cortelyou and East 16th Street.

So what can you do about it? Some neighbors on this thread were talking about ways to encourage street beautification by creating some kind of “pretty block challenge.” Other neighbors have organized a spring cleaning on Cortelyou for this Saturday, which anyone is welcome to help with.

In addition to requesting additional cans (which, we think these litterplugs show, may not help), residents can adopt a trashcan through 311. By agreeing to empty the can and replace the plastic bag liner, the city will apparently supply you with liners, a contact at Sanitation, and a certificate of appreciation. Anyone ever done this?

What other ideas have you got?