Pack It In, Pack It Out: Growing Trend in Outdoor Garbage Disposal
A recent article in the paper on Seattle’s move away from trash cans caught my attention not because I necessarily thought it unusual, but mostly because I hoped it would actually work. The Seattle Parks Department is removing garbage cans to trim the budget for garbage collection throughout the city. The city hopes that the removal of the trash cans will prompt park visitors to take their trash home when they leave (as opposed to force people to throw their litter in the streets). For me, it seems that removing more than 750 trash cans from locations around the city could deter people from using the picnic and BBQ areas created for city residents. I guess I don’t have a lot of confidence that people will bring their own trash bags to haul their lunch items away everyday.
Either way, it is a growing trend, not only in city parks but in state camping and recreation areas. Campers and hikers this summer are being asked to carry out what they pack in, in order to keep the parks environmentally healthy and safe. They also want to reduce the cost of having parks and rec clean up if it is not necessary. Consider this when you start packing for your next camping trip. Bring items that can be easily packed out and consider a couple of different garbage options now available for campers.
Photo courtesy of Trueways Survival School
