Litter-Free Streets and Parks

Issue

  • The trash in our streets and in our parks is a real problem. It’s a problem for environment. It’s also a problem for our quality of life. It can cause public health risks, depending on the type of waste and with the spread of rodents. Businesses will also tell you it’s an economic development issue in the way that it shapes the image we present to their potential customers.
  • The cost of trash removal and recycling continues to increase. Just in the last three years, our annual recycling costs tripled to almost $600K. This is a worldwide issue as we run out of places to put trash. It’s also a threat to our budget right here in Lynn.

Jared’s Record

  • Representing the Lynn Public Schools, Jared has served on the City Council’s Trash and Litter Subcommittee chaired by Councilor-At-Large Brian Field and Ward 5 Councilor Dianna Chakoutis.
  • Helped plan and implement litter prevention program in the Lynn Public Schools spearheaded by Councilor Field and the Trash and Litter Subcommittee

Jared’s Platform

  • Overflowing dumpsters contribute to our trash and litter problem, particularly in the downtown. Enforcement should be stepped up.
  • Continue to improve outreach to residents and businesses. The City offers various opportunities to control waste, including the renting of additional bins, drop-off days for particular types of materials, and pay per item bulk trash pick-up. This information should be easier to find and share online and in multiple languages.
  • Add easy feedback mechanism to allow residents and businesses to quickly and efficiently notify ISD of problem private dumpsters and DPW of problem public bins.
  • The current Administration will be hiring a new DPW worker to focus on trash and litter and is investing in new equipment to help with litter removal on streets and sidewalks in a way that won’t require residents to move their cars. We should continue to make these kinds of investments in the delivery of basic city services when we have more opportunities to do so with the federal infrastructure dollars coming our way.
  • Work with our regional partners to elevate this issue as a top concern in our community and identify best practices and potential resources to address it.
  • Continue to work with the schools on prevention education.