This is a popular hangout spot that is trashed on a daily basis.

The goal of this project is to change a culture of trashing. The key to permanently reducing trashing is to change social norms. We have successfully changed a culture of trashing at other hangout spots through a series of interventions, these include:

Frequent, highly visible, and persistent cleanups during periods of peak use - Afternoons from 3-6 are ideal.

Research shows that clean areas are trashed less; the reason for this is that clean areas send a social signal that trashing isn’t ok here. Put another way: Trash begets Trash. People out cleaning an area - for free even! - reinforces this point.

While cleaning, greet people as you work (“Hey there, just here for the trash”) Stay positive and don’t scold, shame, or correct. Just do the work, and be open and friendly. People respond very positively to this, and you will get a lot of thanks for your work.

Finally, we will put up signs that read: “You Deserve Clean, Beautiful Parks - 48 Bags of Trash Removed” - we have found these signs to be effective at changing behavior.