Residential sidewalks are often lively with people coming and going and all kinds of activity. Most of the activities are appropriate, but some are not in keeping with the overall goals of unhindered passage and litter-free streets.
Sometimes, a garage sale spills onto the sidewalk. After the sale, unsold treasures become today’s junk left near the curb in hopes of prompt disappearance. Passersby are known to rummage through boxes and other items left at the curb, sometimes taking home what is left. But even when something is removed, debris might be scattered from their searching.
Furniture and other items labeled “Free” might start on a front lawn. But then they mysteriously migrate down to the street, where past ownership becomes foggy, and the responsibility of disposal becomes someone else’s problem. Unfortunately, this problem is becoming more widespread and ultimately more costly for you and your neighbors. Local solid waste haulers are left to haul away improperly discarded items. This extra work costs staff time, vehicle upkeep, gas, and disposal costs, which can lead to higher refuse rates for residents.
Neighborhood streets and sidewalks are the backbone of the transportation system. Skateboarders, cyclists, pedestrians, and those needing accessible access need to be able to move unhindered down thoroughfares. We must keep them clean and open so that we can all get where we’re going safely!
Wondering what to do?
- Don’t leave “Free” items out on the sidewalk!
- Find a Taker! FreeCycle, Nextdoor, and Craigslist are all great and free online options to connect your items with someone who wants them. Or try Facebook Marketplace if your item still has resale value.
- Donate! Give away usable items in good condition only. Your junk is not necessarily someone else’s treasure.
- Bulky Item Pickup! Try to dispose of what you can’t remove using any of the methods above. After that, contact your local solid waste authority to see if you can schedule a bulky-item pickup, or to find out where to haul your item if not.
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