Read the full article here.

By Isha Banerjee

Reduced rat sightings and cleaner streets may be in the near future for West Harlem residents. As a part of a pilot program by the New York City Council, large containers have replaced bags of trash on select streets and school districts in West Harlem.

In August, New York City council member Shaun Abreu, CC ’14, introduced the first containerization program to District 7. The $5.7 million pilot program looks to be the first step towards effectively containerizing trash in New York City and reducing the number of rat infestations. West Harlem residents started to see trash containers in front of their schools and apartments a week ago—but as more trash containers are installed in Harlem, residents say that the program brings both benefits and concerns.

John Delgado, a West Harlem resident who composts his own trash, said that the containerization initiative was a “positive move” for the community.

“I noticed that as I’ve been composting, I don’t have to deal with any rats, mice, anything,” Delgado said.

Sherly Batista, another West Harlem resident, said that the containerization made the streets a “little bit” cleaner.

“Before, we used to throw trash on the sidewalk,” Batista said, adding that containerization is “more organized.”

“I am thrilled that the pathway to full-scale containerization starts in District 7,” Abreu wrote in a statement to Spectator. “In conjunction with new trash set-out times and rat mitigation zones that took effect in early April, this investment in containerization is the final prong in curbing rat infestations.”

Local politicians have shown support for the pilot program, including Representative Adriano Espaillat, who represents the 13th Congressional District, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. They are joined by community activists like Lonnie Portis, New York City policy and advocacy manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and Sharon Waskow, founder of It’s Easy Being Green.

“New Yorkers know that our waste system needs a tremendous amount of improvement—we deserve better than sidewalks piled with leaking garbage bags torn open by swarms of rats,” Levine wrote in a press release on Aug. 17. “I’m thrilled that Harlem schools will soon lead the way on waste and recycling with this containerization pilot program spearheaded by Council member Abreu.”