Waste, Pests & Pesticides Reduction

Cleaner Neighborhoods for All

Although the NYC Department of Sanitation data suggests that garbage and litter are managed effectively and efficiently, Northern Manhattan residents tell a much different story. They relay stories of overflowing residential and municipal garbage containers, neighborhood-wide infestations of rats and roaches, litter strewn across busy commercial streets, and trees ornamented with bags and other street litter. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports that Northern Manhattan neighborhoods host the highest number of lots failing inspections for rat and refuse management.

50%

of all Northern Manhattan residents surveyed identified poor waste management and litter as top environmental health issues of concern.

Harlem Houses in New York City

WE ACT calls for:

  • policies addressing inappropriate garbage disposal and rampant pest infestation in Northern Manhattan.
  • a transition from current pesticide use to safer alternatives in order to reduce negative health impacts from pests and pesticide application.
  • the adoption of a comprehensive strategy to reduce solid waste.
  • better inclusion of recycling and composting into policies for solid waste management.

What we're doing

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