Where are all the garbage cans? It’s time for CSB to invest in trash receptacles

I’ve enjoyed my time at CSB+SJU; however, one issue has been on my mind for the last four years—the appalling lack of trash cans on the CSB campus.

Admittedly, this complaint is relatively small compared to the larger issues our campus is facing. Though I acknowledge installing outdoor trash cans would create additional work for campus employees, I believe the implementation would discourage littering and keep our campus clean.

At SJU, trash cans are found outside of the Reef and Sexton and provide a place to toss stray coffee cups or candy wrappers.

This is not the case at CSB.

While many students may hold on to their garbage until they can throw it away inside a building, others neglect to discard their trash in the appropriate receptacles and instead opt to drop it across campus.

This not only impacts the beauty of the campus but is also detrimental to the wildlife that call CSB home.

On numerous occasions, I’ve watched as squirrels haul remnants of food containers across the lawn, obviously enamored by our leftovers. It is not shocking that the squirrels manage to get into the dumpsters by residence halls; however, installing outdoor trash cans can aid in mitigating the impact of litter on our smallest residents.

Think about it—when getting on or off the Link at SJU, the trash cans outside of Sexton are conveniently placed to discourage littering across campus.

It may be the optimist in me, but I think students would take the additional five seconds to toss their trash in the garbage before heading off to class or the library. At CSB, the option isn’t readily available. Installing even one trash can at the Gorecki bus stop would enable students to make environmentally friendly decisions.

Though emptying the trash cans would be an additional task, the grounds crew wouldn’t need to worry about picking up garbage when mowing the lawn, blowing the leaves or taking care of the koi fish.

Speaking of the koi, miscellaneous garbage that finds its way into the pond poses a significant risk to their health and wellness. Unlike squirrels and birds, the fish cannot leave their polluted environment, so if trash blows into their home it cannot be removed until the next time a member of the grounds crew feeds the fish and cleans the pond.

In conclusion, I encourage everyone to think about their habits and how small decisions impact the larger campus community. Trash cans or no trash cans, we all have the responsibility to keep our campuses clean and dispose of our garbage appropriately.