Removing Trash Bins From MTA Subway Stations a Bad Idea

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a plan on Monday to study the impact of removing trash bins from City subway stations. The first phase of the plan began two weeks ago when bins were removed from two subway stations.

Although I understand that it is logistically difficult to remove 40 tons of waste each day from City Subway stations, I believe this initiative is misguided and will only lead to more litter and vector in an already dirty transit system. Managing this increased litter on subway platforms will go against the stated goal of this plan to reduce the burden on the MTA’s trash removal efforts. 

It is not clear to me how removing bins will lead to less trash because riders will continue to eat, read newspapers and otherwise go about their normal routines, only now they would have nowhere to properly deposit the material. I for one, am doubtful that riders will consistently carry their trash out with them.

I commend the MTA for adding additional trains to remove waste from subway platforms in a more timely fashion, and believe that is an appropriate way to address the "unsightliness and malodor" in the subway system. I believe we can build on this positive step and urge the MTA to work with the City to make the subway system a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.