Statement of Alderman Lamont Westmoreland
October 17, 2023
When I drive through certain areas of Milwaukee, there is so much litter that most would think that multiple dumpsters exploded. Fast food trash, wigs, liquor bottles, dirty diapers – you name it.
The sad and sickening reality is – no dumpsters have exploded. What we are seeing is a result of selfish and despicable individuals that just don’t give a damn, with zero hesitation to litter – creating an eyesore in otherwise potentially beautiful neighborhoods. Drivers tossing trash from their vehicles or dropping it to the ground while walking, making it someone else’s problem. If that is you, shame on you. Do better. Your behavior is stunting the growth of many neighborhoods.
That’s not only NOT the standard in our city, it’s just pathetic and sad. I’m sick of it.
This is the environment where our kids, WHO ARE THE FUTURE, are living their formative years. This behavior has turned away many businesses and individuals who are considering relocation – preventing seeing these areas blossom to their true potential. Turning around the downward trend of uncleanliness (which is killing the quality of life!) starts with each and every one of us.
Just about every area of the city processes just the same amount of trash, and there is absolutely no excuse as to why some neighborhoods use trash and recycling bins and some don’t.
My fellow Milwaukeeans it is time to fight back against the littering culture and mindset, before we further lose control and it starts to leak into areas where we traditionally haven’t seen these problems. It is time to restore community pride in these areas and set the example for the now and for the future. Clean environment, clean mindset.
Businesses should be contributing as well by making rounds outside – several times per day – to make sure litter is picked up. Neighbors: If you see a business that is definitely not keeping their premises and area clean, please report them by calling the City Unified Call Center at 414-286-2489 and/or by reaching out to your Alderperson.
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