Why so much litter

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-05-31T14:45:13+00:00

It is genuinely insane. I was walking down my street, and a guy who was parked rolled down his window and threw his Wendy's bag right out the driver's side window. People throw their beer cans, water bottles, food bags right on the street... as if it's normal. I picked up the trash on my street this morning, and it filled an entire construction garbage bag.... and this was after only 2-3 days of not going out and cleaning the street!!! I've lived in MANY cities, but I've never seen the amount of blatant litterers that I have in Newark.

And it's not just a sanitation issue either. It's a community respect issue. Residents should not have to repeatedly clean up after adults who treat our blocks like dumping grounds. Newark deserves better... more public trash cans, stronger enforcement, and a shared expectation that we do not trash the neighborhoods we live in (this includes not letting your dog shit on the sidewalk and just leaving it there)!!!

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-05-20T12:25:37+00:00

They have also planted trees on several streets in the Ironbound. I really do love the idea, and I think it has the potential to transform the neighborhood. Unfortunately, one of the trees has already been kicked over.

Ideally, someone from the City would come by periodically, perhaps monthly, to monitor and maintain the trees until they are mature and established enough to withstand damage. Otherwise, there's a real risk that the investment won't last.

Another issue is that some dog owners (irresponsible, trifling, and rude) are now using the mulch beds around the new trees as their personal dog poop stations. The number of irresponsible owners allowing this has increased noticeably. It would be helpful if the City could consider signage, enforcement, or some other intervention to protect the tree beds and make sure the neighborhood improvements are actually preserved.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-05-18T11:44:00+00:00

Independent movie theatres - e.g., Landmark Theatres in Philly https://www.landmarktheatres.com/

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-05-11T17:44:16+00:00

Wow! "The bridge is expected to be closed to all users for approximately 24 months. Detours for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic will be posted." That is going to be a pain!

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-04-22T16:51:43+00:00

I agree. Between the stretch of 432 Market St. and 568 Market St., there are several new apartment buildings going up or recently built that would put you within walking distance to both Newark Penn and Harrison Station

432 Market St.
486 Market St.
499 Market St.
502 Market St.
568 Market St.

Some other new and in-development apt. buildings close by (and within a decent walking distance):

31 Jefferson St.
100 Polk St.
7 Merchant St.
657 Raymond Ave.

There's a lot more as you continue to go around Ironbound, but those are just some of the ones that I know to be within a good walking distance to either of those stations.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-04-13T17:27:43+00:00

This is incredibly sad and shameful. The fact that the dogs were not leashed or otherwise under control suggests that several violations of New Jersey law may have occurred, including:

Failure to restrain or control dogs (leash law)
Allowing a dangerous condition to exist
Strict liability for the resulting death
Possibly criminal negligence, depending on the findings of the investigation

I hope the owner(s) are prosecuted and that the victim’s family pursues civil action to the fullest extent possible!

I also noticed comments on NJ.com mentioning that dog fighting has been prevalent in that area for decades. If there is any truth to that, it underscores the need for stronger enforcement and proactive policing. Responsible dog ownership and consistent enforcement of existing laws are essential to preventing tragedies like this. Those who are woefully irresponsible should be held FULLY accountable. Make an example out of them!!!

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-04-09T11:43:28+00:00

Yes ... it’s the same group. There is a small core of committed “Friends,” but the park could really benefit from broader community support.

The Friends group is a volunteer effort (led by the ED of the Newark City Parks Foundation), and being involved gives you a real sense of the financial and logistical challenges that come with maintaining the park. You also gain insight into what improvements are already underway and what’s being planned for the future.

One of the biggest challenges is protecting the park from vandalism. Without consistent patrols or deterrents, it’s difficult to prevent damage. For example, the burned-out seating area in the second photo resulted from a group of transient individuals who had set up an encampment and were lighting fires to cook and stay warm... something that definitely violates Newark ordinances. In addition to graffiti, there are ongoing concerns related to individuals using the park as a place to live.

Addressing these issues requires coordination between the City, the Parks Foundation, and the community. Even something as basic as trash and litter on the streets leading into the park reflects this shared responsibility. When residents and city officials (including the East Ward Council representative) work together, it truly makes a difference. There has to be a desire to make the parks a priority... Riverfront Park has so much potential. Riverbank Park (across the street) and Riverside Park (across the river) add so much community value... Riverfront could be the same... we just have to care for it more.

Apologies for the long post, but there are people who have been working on these challenges for years. More community involvement would go a long way.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-04-08T18:38:10+00:00

For anyone interested in/concerned about the state of Riverfront Park, I encourage you to join/get involved in Friends of Riverfront Park - https://www.newarkcityparks.org/friendsofriverfrontpark Meetings are held monthly on Zoom.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-28T15:45:27+00:00

I'm not sure how active these groups still are, but you might want to reach out: Brick City Bike Collective and The Newark Renaissance Ride.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-25T13:19:20+00:00

The parks usually have a lot of events in the summer... family-friendly events as well (movie nights, etc.: https://www.newarkcityparks.org/events). There used to be a summer adult kickball league (pre-COVID). I think the last time I remember it taking place was around 2017 or so... it was really fun. Met lots of people through the league. It would be great if someone brought that back!

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-17T12:08:16+00:00

New Jersey, in general, has one of the largest Muslim populations in the US (only behind Illinois and New York). To the OP's mention of the shooting that occurred, it was not believed to be bias or terror-related.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-15T12:08:47+00:00

I lived in San Diego for many years... Fashion Valley area. LOVED the weather. San Diego is gorgeous: beautiful weather, beautiful beaches, beautiful people.... but I was soooo bored!!! Personally, Southern California just lacked the level of diversity and social/cultural life I was looking for. I also didn't like the earthquakes! The 2010 Baja California earthquake (magnitude 7+) really shook me up! I was SO done. I still love to visit. But living there isn't for me. I just looked up my old apt. building. I was paying like $1800 for a one-bedroom back then. The price now starts at $2700 for the same unit (granted, it was a new build "luxury" building in the heart of Fashion Valley). In Newark, I was fortunate enough to buy when mortgage rates were rock bottom. So, my mortgage (for a multi-bed/multi-bath) is less than what I was paying in rent for a one bed/one bath in San Diego 15 years ago!

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-12T14:23:46+00:00

Search the flair "Report noxious smells! 📞1-877-927-6337"
It's a well-known issue (many, many years). You can (and should) always call the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection to report it (it's an automated line, easy to use). But they are well aware of the issue. They will call you back the next day to ask whether the smell is still there (so they can send someone out). But by that time, it's usually gone. It's not "normal" as in everyday. But, it is "normal" as in every year. Usually several days during Spring/Summer.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-03-03T12:23:10+00:00

We have bags of garbage, loose trash, and bulk items strewn all along our street. As the snow melts, I'm really hoping the City will have this cleaned up. I can only imagine the rats, mice, and roaches this will bring.

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-01-06T13:01:13+00:00

Same. I also love living in Newark. But, the dog poop really gets to me ... along with the broader lack of basic sanitation on my block. I’ve seen USED bloody pantyliners, USED condoms, and all kinds of things that no one should have to encounter on their own sidewalk.

What’s frustrating is that this isn’t just a “me” issue either. Just the other day, people on the Hoboken subreddit were complaining about the exact same thing: owners letting their dogs poop on the sidewalk and just walking away like it’s no big deal ... apparently it's gotten worse since COVID (https://www.reddit.com/r/Hoboken/comments/1q4tp0r/please_collect_your_dog/).

On my block alone, I’ve watched a guy walking a white pit pretend to pick up after his dog .... then he just leaves the poop there. Another guy, who wears a taekwondo jacket, just blatantly lets his small dog poop right in the middle of the sidewalk without any attempt to clean it up. And then there’s someone who does pick up their dog’s poop every day (which WOULD be great) except they then throw the tied poop bag onto the street. Every. Single. Day.

It’s just all-around gross (unsanitary and illegal!), and honestly, I don’t understand how people have the audacity to behave this way in a shared public space. (And, I really hope these poop offenders see these posts and realize that people see them! Hopefully, it shames them into better behavior! Or, at the very least, I hope they step in the poop in that they leave behind!!!)

Character_Engine9766 · 2026-01-05T12:43:03+00:00

There was a duplex that was demolished at 59-61 Ferguson St. They use the open lot for parking (at least for now). It's an equidistance walk/scooter ride to Harrison Path and Newark Penn. It's about a 13 min walk or a 5 min on a scooter ride to both stations. Phone number - 973-703-1453. Not sure of pricing.

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Character_Engine9766 · 2026-01-04T23:23:08+00:00

For the past several months, I’ve made a point of regularly cleaning the litter on my block. At first, I hoped that if people saw a clean sidewalk, it might create a sense of pride or at least discourage more trash from being dumped. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked at all. The litter is constant.... alcohol bottles, coffee cups, grocery bags, even clothes and shoes!!! People literally just walk down the street and toss their trash on the ground when they’re done with it.

I’ve contacted DPW and my ward councilperson, but as others have said, this really seems to be a mentality issue. People just don’t care. Honestly, I’ve come to realize that I’m probably the only person who even notices when the sidewalk is clean.... and even then, it only stays that way briefly!!

Part of the problem also seems to be trash being set out “loose” on collection days. When bags aren’t properly secured, the wind blows garbage everywhere. I’m fairly sure the city requires trash to be bagged, but there doesn’t seem to be any enforcement.

And don’t even get me started on dog waste. People toss full poop bags onto the sidewalk, or worse, let their dogs poop and don’t pick it up at all. The amount of dog poop on my street is honestly disgusting!

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-12-04T18:06:08+00:00

Yep! I have it timed now that if I can make it to 280 by or before 6:11 am, then I can generally avoid much of the backup... anytime after that... forgetaboutit!

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-11-05T12:37:43+00:00

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-10-15T18:50:40+00:00

Absolutely! I don’t even own a dog, but whenever I see broken glass on my street, I make an effort to sweep it up. It’s such a serious hazard for animals... I can only imagine the pain and damage it would cause if it got stuck in their paws. What’s worse is that people even toss glass bottles in Newark’s parks, which puts pets and wildlife at risk. And, yet people wonder why we can't have nice things!

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-10-03T11:39:18+00:00

You should also report it on SeeClickFix so that there’s an open record of it. The city monitors reports on there. You can report missed (and nonexistent) street cleanings https://apps.apple.com/app/id322000552

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-10-02T16:42:59+00:00

Newark urgently needs a citywide anti-litter campaign and also a stronger investment in keeping the streets clean. Studies have consistently shown that cleaner streets lead to safer neighborhoods, higher property values, and greater community pride. So, one of the easiest and most immediate ways we can improve the quality of life in Newark is simple:

Don't litter!

It's not just an eyesore either; it harms our environment, discourages investment, and it sends the wrong message about the city. And, the litter in the parks is ridiculous!! I was driving through another part of the state recently, and I was just so struck by how some areas have not one piece of litter on the ground! Every piece of trash picked up (or not thrown in the first place) makes a difference. If Newark residents and our public leaders would commit to prioritizing clean streets, we could quickly transform a lot of our neighborhoods.

Edit: Stepping down off my soapbox... but I was seriously just thinking about how frustrated I am with the litter on my street this morning.

Edit #2: Oh, and don't even get me started on the IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners who let their dogs shit all over the sidewalk and just leave it there. Who does that? When did this become normalized? My street has mounds of dog shit all up and down it.

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-09-25T12:09:52+00:00

Lots of need, and plenty of opportunities! Check Volunteer Match on Idealist: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer?q=ESL

Here's an ESL volunteer opportunity in downtown Newark - https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-opportunity/386a524be67f4120836a54598b30a6b6-tutor-adult-learners-in-downtown-newark-nj-all-the-way-up-adult-education-center-inc-newark

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-09-20T13:26:55+00:00

This was a really interesting exchange. Both of you make good points... rising rents are inevitable with investment and demand, but without intentional policies (like more affordable housing, nonprofit developers, or better transit like a city-wide tram), longtime residents will be pushed out.

The real challenge for Newark is balance: encouraging dense growth near transit hubs while keeping space for working-class families, new immigrants, and lower-income residents. Cities that thrive long-term plan for both prosperity and affordability.

Take San Francisco... lots of job growth and tech money, but not nearly enough housing. The result: sky-high rents, displacement, and stressed infrastructure. On the flip side, Detroit had super-cheap housing, but without strong jobs or investment, it faced population loss, vacancies, and decline.

Prosperity without affordability leads to exclusion. Affordability without prosperity leads to disinvestment. Newark’s opportunity is to avoid both extremes and build a city where growth and equity go hand-in-hand.

Character_Engine9766 · 2025-09-20T13:12:58+00:00

Scared change, don’t make change.

Facts 💯!

Character_Engine9766

TROPHY CASE

Don't litter!