March 9, 2026
gathered data for six months that clearly demonstrates there is a littering issue.
write to my city council district representative, informing them of the data i’ve collected and requesting the addition of two trash cans around the block, to measure the impact this has on the litter levels.
they respond, supportively, and tell me to submit a 311 ticket.
i build a webpage that gives a high-level overview of the issue and the request. i submit a ticket.
i get a response, they are sending an email to solid waste management. it’s their impression the city does not install or maintain any trash cans in the public right of way.
so then, why did the aide from district 10’s office tell me to submit a ticket?
so, it begs the question: will submitting more tickets actually work?
it feels like the advocacy then needs to shift into my other, larger idea which is to create a case for building a department that manages the installation and maintenance of trash cans, as well as cleaning up litter in the neighborhoods.
research what other cities do, locally, regionally, globally
co springs
nyc
taipei
get the word out: your city could be better / city cast denver
put pressure on local reps to help push trash can request through and generate more awareness - link it to the dog poop issue and connect the research on littering
March 10, 2026
I am learning that there are BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) and it seems like trash cans get installed as part of those improvements within the district boundaries. Because, it is not part of the basic city infrastructure? Why is this not basic?
It is a problem that it’s the standard that this infrastructure to prevent litter is not included in basic city infrastructure, rather, considered an improvement.
It makes me think, though, that I could clean a block in the Colfax Ave BID, for example, and see how litter levels compare, given there are trash cans in this district that are maintained daily.
Colfax Ave BID boundary should be expanded, or, a new BID/GID is created in Cap Hill to improve the cleanliness. If the argument is about funding and the lack of businesses outside of these districts, then it should be a commercial and personal property tax that funds this work. It’s less expensive to be preventative about polluting our waterways than it is to be reactive to the damage downstream.
BIDs: basic infrastructure, duh!
March 10, 2026
Let me share what I am finding.
Cherry Creek Subarea
Federal Boulevard
Five Points
Old South Gaylord
Santa Fe
West Colfax
