It’s one of the most exciting and popular cities in the world, yet New York City is dirty. It consistently ranks as one of the filthiest in the world. Why? Like most things in this huge and complicated place, there are multiple reasons, none of which justify the squalor.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The high population density of New York City creates more trash
New York City’ is known for it’ss population density, millions of people living and working in a relatively small area, but is that enough?
Of course not. A lot of cities with similar circumstances stay relatively clean while Gotham fails.
- According to a CBS News Report, a poll found that it’s the dirtiest city in the world.
While population density can be a great thing, it also creates problems, especially when it comes to garbage. With more people living in close quarters, there is simply more garbage being generated – from food and beverage containers to furniture, electronics and appliances.
Not only is this an eyesore, but the additional trash also increases landfill requirements and pollution levels.
To combat this problem, the city has implemented several initiatives designed to reduce the volume of waste generated by each resident.
This includes introducing new composting facilities; expanding curbside recycling programs; encouraging the use of reusable shopping bags; and providing more public transit options rather than relying on cars as personal transportation.
All of these initiatives lag, however, for lack of commitment. Politics and bureaucracy can stall the slightest change for years.
This is also why we barely have any public toilets – which being overused are generally filthy.
After all, population density creates many advantages for New Yorkers – like having access to countless amazing restaurants and theaters.
But abundance has a price.
The MTA’s Contribution to New York City Dirt: Disgusting Subway Stations
Most New Yorkers and tourists rely of the NYC Subway system to get around at least some of the time, but the stations and trains do not belong to the city.
Stations built up with decades of grime, mold and leakage are a gift of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Most New Yorkers don’t need to be told that the MTA is a mess, poisoned with patronage and corruption.
Still, you’d think they could conquer the basics, like routinely cleaning their stations. How could they even do an annual budget without including such a commitment?
Well, they do, year after year and here’s a photo from one of its newest stations…
There are not enough public trash cans for everyone to use
It is no secret that trash cans are in short supply and overused.
Every person has a right to clean, safe public spaces but too often those spaces do not have enough trash cans to go around. It’s an immediate – and fixable – reason why New York City is so dirty.
Cities face increasing pressure to meet trash-collection goals while simultaneously dealing with budget problems and strained resources. The burden on cities means a severe deficit when it comes to the necessary infrastructure like trash cans – particularly in areas where trash cans afford the only viable solution.
But this is ironic because New York City is one of the highest taxed cities in America. Yet, it lags far behind many with lesser tax receipts.
Predictably, the worst dirt on New York City affects communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. They’re especially hard hit because they disproportionately lack trash collection services, making trash cans even more valuable but even further out of reach.
It’s past time for New York City’s bearing the responsibility for its waste management, investing in proper trash can infrastructure both financially and politically.
The city needs better trash can policies if we want cleaner parks and neighborhoods. Putting ample trash cans in public places would just be one step toward this goal, but frequent pickups are equally important.
The Dirt on New York City is you. People believe they’re too busy to pick up after themselves
New York City buzzes with activity, people rushing off to work, hustling to their subway train, trying to squeeze in a few errands before dark.
Some believe they’re too busy just thinking about the small things with nothing left for picking up after themselves.
From coffee cups carelessly discarded on street corners and fast-food wrappers swirling in the breeze to overflowing garbage cans, it’s the result of a pre-occupied me-first culture coupled with lousy city management.
And these days, we have a whole new category of waste: discarded face masks.
Of course, this doesn’t excuse people from doing their share of the cleanup in their packed (but sometimes disheveled) Big Apple.
With so much at stake – from creating a pleasant atmosphere to protecting the environment – it would be wonderful if New Yorkers could scratch out a few moments to pick up after themselves.
Small, regular shows of stewardship help set a positive example throughout the city.
The city government does not do enough to clean the streets
As a resident of this city, I’m often struck by how government cuts have impacted the cleanliness of our streets. The perception is that government fails on all levels, and dealing with dirt in New York City is a universally recognized failure.
Trash boxes overflow, sidewalks are lined with cigarette butts and the parks are regularly neglected despite appeals to tidy up.
While there have been attempts here and there to jumpstart cleanup initiatives – like volunteer cleanups or educational campaigns – these don’t come close to addressing the mess that’s already been made.
It’s time for our government officials to take responsibility and make real progress with cleaning our streets now.
Until then, we’ll just be left with subpar efforts which won’t even begin to address the growing burden of dirt and debris in our town.
Businesses in New York City generate a lot of waste
New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world in terms of business activity. With a vibrant business sector and bustling population, it’s no surprise that businesses in NYC generate a lot of waste.
From damaged photo equipment to empty cleaning containers and business card holders, the amount of business waste produced seems staggering.
But instead of simply disposing of trash haphazardly, business owners need to rethink how they handle their waste.
Minimizing their environmental footprint and reducing their overall energy consumption, businesses should engage in green practices such as reuse, recycling, composting and buying recycled materials whenever possible.
This also helps create a sense of responsibility within businesses when it comes to properly disposing of business materials. While it may seem daunting at first, making small changes within business operations can make a big difference.
Sustainable business practices are essential for preserving the health of our planet and supporting future generations living in New York City. By adapting small behavior changes when handling business-related waste, we can improve our environment for years to come.
Tourists visiting New York City add to the litter problem
As tourists from around the world flock to New York City, one of their lasting legacies may be an uptick in litter.
Littering is a major problem that has long plagued this beautiful metropolis, and tourists add to the issue by carelessly discarding their empty food containers, candy wrappers and used napkins on the city sidewalks.
Those who don’t live here are not as invested. They spend a lot, but they expect New York City to clean up after them.
If tourists are unconcerned about how their actions impact our environment, then their behavior contributes to worsening an already-pressing issue.
After all, we are all responsible for keeping this great city clean. Only when everyone works together to prevent tourists from adding to the existing litter problem can we enjoy New York City in its fullest.
Most tourists visiting this amazing city agree that it’s worth playing their part as custodians of this global gem.
The Dirt on New York City Conclusion
New York City is a beautiful and vibrant place, but it’s also dirty. The high population density and the lack of public trash cans mean that there are too many people creating too much trash.
Sone New Yorkers think they are too busy to pick up after themselves, and the city government doesn’t do enough in combating it.
Businesses in New York generate a lot of waste, and tourists visiting New York City add to the litter problem.
More from the Roosevelt island daily news
- Roosevelt Island Community News: This Week’s Changes Near and FarExplore Roosevelt Island community news this week with updates on political changes, housing plans, criminal cases, and local arts. Stay connected to neighborhood life.
- Spring Rhythms on Roosevelt Island: Stories and Events Shaping Our NeighborhoodExplore the spring rhythms on Roosevelt Island as stories, events, and neighborhood updates shape our community, with news and happenings woven into daily routines.
- What Happens Next for a Vacant Rikers Building? Procedural Steps Could Shape Its FutureWhat happens next for a vacant Rikers building remains uncertain, but advocates are urging city officials to take procedural steps that could move its future forward. Learn how administrative changes might shape what comes next.
- Warming Days and Wetter Evenings: Roosevelt Island Weather Rhythms for NeighborsWarming days and wetter evenings on Roosevelt Island are shaping neighbors’ routines, from outdoor gatherings to travel. Get the week’s local weather patterns and tips for adapting.
- How City Decisions Shape Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandHow city decisions shape daily life on Roosevelt Island through budget debates, new programs, and legal shifts, impacting routines and neighborly connections.
The Meeting That Moved On Without Her
The smoke had thinned by November seventeenth, but it still clung to my coat and the back of my throat. Two nights earlier, fire trucks had crowded the rear of the Landings, their lights bouncing off brick and glass. The flames were gone. The smell remained.
1 COMMENTS