Go into any neighborhood in any part of the city and there is an easy way to tell if people care about their community. Can you see trash in the streets? Then probably not. Can you see trash on front lawns? Then definitely not.
Usually, a trash-strewn lawn is a sign of a rental property. Most people would suggest that landlords are responsible. True, to an extent. But what does it say about the people living in a home that they won’t pick up litter in their own yard, even if it was thrown by someone else? Not much. And really, you are going to wait for your landlord to come around?
There is no excuse. York has a great trash-collection program. The trucks come two times per week, with once-a-week recycling.
The green recycling bins tend to fall apart — I’ve had one in a state of decay for months now — and they cost $5 to get a replacement from the city. Here’s a tip. City residents can get free recycling bins later this month. You will need to go to the square 8-10 a.m. on April 30 to get one. Bring your driver’s license. (I would post a link, but the city doesn’t seem to have one on its website, and I even called to check.)
On your way home, pick up some trash. It will be your good deed for the day, and, if you make that a habit, everyone will know that residents of York care. All they will need to do is look around.
About this blog
Tom Barstow, news editor of the York Daily Record/ Sunday News, takes a look at life in the community in the Avenues of York, with a perspective on local to world issues from near Farquhar Park.
Here is a better measuring stick when pondering if a person cares or not: How well do they treat public places? It never ceases to amaze me how often I drive by a park to see it littered with trash.
Just this morning (4/27/11) I drive by the basketball courts at Lincoln Park to see trash all over the place. The nearest trash cans, with recycling available, were about 25 ft. away. These kids grow up to be the adults who use the other side of said park’s picnic facilities for events such as birthday parties or picnics and leave that area a complete mess as well.
Around York it isn’t hard to tell who cares and who doesn’t, all you have to do is stand in front of your house and within eye shot you will certainly be able to find examples of both.