NYC Removes Trash Bins in Subway to Curtail Litter

Greenwich Village and Queens subway stations have had their trash bins removed for the past two weeks. This counterintuitive plan was initiated 3 months ago by officials due to an "epidemic of unsightliness and malodor," writes Michael Grynbaum.

October 25, 2011, 12pm PDT | David Zeetser

In New York, the MTA have come up with a new plan that will help their garbage crews complete their daily rounds when collecting trash from the subways. According Grynbaum, the idea is "to reduce the load" for the crews who clear out 40 tons of trash from the system daily.

The PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) Trains which service the area between New York City and New Jersey, had no bins since 2001 because of security concerns. Since the removal, it seems there is less trash, said Ron Marsico.

On the other hand, many are skeptical about the no-bin experiment. Bianca Thomas, who was waiting for a train pointed straight at the track. "Right there," she said, noting several plastic water bottles strewn by the third rail. "They'll more than likely toss it. Nobody wants to walk around with trash in their hand."

Full Story:

A Counterintuitive Trash Plan: Remove Bins in Subway Stations

Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in The New York Times