ICYMI: New Trash Cans Installed On More Than 100 Upper East Side Intersections

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Living in New York City means that any seemingly easy task — such as throwing out a piece of trash — can become a dilemma.

Here's a scenario New Yorkers know all too well: You've finished your on-the-go slice and are ready to shove the grease-strewn paper plate down the nearest receptacle. But when you come upon the nearest corner you've reached it — Trash Mountain. A peak formed by items callously tossed aside by fellow New Yorkers rises from a rusty black cylinder. No matter how gently you offer the peak your plate it will end up on the sidewalk.

But for Upper East Siders, that nightmare scenario will soon be a rarity. Nearly 300 brand-new trash cans, with larger volumes and narrower openings, have been installed in the neighborhood thanks to a $154,780 investment from City Councilman Ben Kallos.

In case you missed it, here's one of the Upper East Side's best stories from last week.

"I am here to clean up the Upper East Side with larger trash cans on every corner that can prevent overflow and litter that spills onto the streets," Kallos said in a statement. "I promise a new large trash can on every corner that needs one to keep our streets clean. I encourage any resident whose corner needs a new trash can or even a second large trash can to reach out so we can clean up our neighborhood together."

The new trash cans are designed to reduce litter slippage and deter rodents, according to a press release.

The 284 new trash cans have been installed on 104 of the Upper East Side's intersections. A pilot program launched in 2016 proved so successful that Kallos upped the investment for this year's rollout. Initially, the plan had been to install the new trash cans along Second Avenue.

"We are pleased to work with Council Member Kallos to bring 284 new high-end litter baskets to these high trafficked areas," Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said in a statement. "In addition, we are thankful for his continuing support of the Department, and for helping us keep New York City clean. Efforts between elected officials and the Sanitation Department - as well as our ongoing work with local merchants and residents - demonstrates how close partnerships can make a real difference in a neighborhood."

Photo courtesy City Councilman Ben Kallos