More crews targeting the downtown garbage
More crews targeting the downtown garbage
Jeff Humphrey, Media Manager, 509.622.5868
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 4:16 p.m.
The city of Spokane is now using a more well-known approach to solving the downtown litter problem.
“So the mayor’s initiative called for additional staff so we can try to get the resources right for the impact we’re seeing,” said Luis Garcia of Spokane Code Enforcement.
That means hiring more temporary workers like Jordan Harris.
The former groundsman’s family loves Spokane’s outdoor attractions, and Harris collects trash to make them safer for his children.
“I only see smiles on people’s faces when we’ve done our job picking up the trash. I like that, ”Harris said with a smile.
On average, Harris’ crew collects a thousand pounds of trash every day, but only the material people who no longer claim it as their property.
“Not trying to take someone’s personal property. Everyone has the right to receive their personal property. We are more concerned about the health and safety of the public and are trying to remove some of the existing waste material, ”said Garcia.
Some companies are trying to reduce the amount of waste they throw away by locking their dumpsters.
“It’s locked up because the homeless kept coming in, going through it and then throwing it everywhere,” said Marvin Syzemore of his fenced-in dumpster.
This is one of the reasons the City of Spokane has started offering bins for businesses in the city center because it can contain materials like cardboard for bedding.
“I think this is a constant opportunity for improvement. Enhancement opportunity for downtown businesses to work with waste collection to find the best location conducive to collection as well as safety for those who pass, ”added Garcia.
The rest of us could unknowingly be part of the waste problem as well. Our generous handouts fund purchases that create new problems.
Even donated dog bags can eventually turn into trash and give Harris and his crew a little more work.
“In a nutshell. We just like to keep the city clean. They know a lot of visitors come here and it’s just a good presence for all of us staying here in Spokane,” concluded Harris.
If you’d like to help Harris and others, keep our community cleaner, contact Spokane Code Enforcement, or check out more information online.