I’d like to bring attention to an issue that many people may not be aware of. I live in a narrow area of Lakewood, where both the streets and sidewalks are tight. While walking in my neighborhood—especially with a stroller—I often find the sidewalks completely blocked by garbage cans that haven’t been brought back after pickup.
Even two or three days after collection, it’s not uncommon to see cans still lining the sidewalks, making it impossible for pedestrians to pass safely. This forces people, including those with strollers or mobility needs, to walk in the street—something that is incredibly dangerous given how narrow and busy our roads are.
Please remember that our sidewalks are a reshus harabim—a public space that everyone should be able to use safely and comfortably. It only takes a few extra minutes to bring your garbage cans back to their proper place after pickup. Let’s all do our part to keep our neighborhood safe, clean, and respectful for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to [email protected]
You are a karen
You’re selfish. No middos. That”s much worse.
It’s not neighborly to impede pedestrians, people should appreciate that others prefer to walk rather than drive on already crowded roads. Think about the people that are being inconvenienced; most likely mothers and families walking young children and elderly and disabled keeping their independence by using pedestrian sidewalks to travel. “Karen” is the good neighbor.
Yup that is a problem , however that is not the only thing blocking sidewalks ,I cannot tell you how any times I see cars parking on the sidewalks !!!!
Have the same problem
Have the same problem!
I thought dpw was issuing warnings to people who leave their cans out past collection day. Or was that a one-time thing?
bringmybins.com $9 a week
Can I have your cc info?
Maybe take the 2 seconds and move them out of the way
I think it’s a massive Chilul Hashem that this goes on.and not only are the cans constantly in the way, they also stink! Walking to davening, I can’t even say brochos! I’ve come near to losing my mirrors on more than one occasion, and actually did lose one on Park ave.the problem with the cans being in the way isn’t only because of ppl not returning them to near the house, it’s also the sanitation workers that leave them partially In the street. It should be considered basic decency that you return your bin to the house.amd the problem has gotten to be so bad that there is even a business that will return them to th house for you! Pathetic!
Unfortunately that’s a part of the Lakewood you love for other reasons. Over development is leaving no space for the traditional grass strip between the sidewalk and the street- where we all used to put our cans (and still do in regular our of town, normally developed neighborhoods)
What about those that learn in front seforoim shranks in shul or yeshiva?
Oh no you didn’t.
While we’re at it. Why do sprinklers need to be programmed to go off when people are walking outside. It’s dangerous, especially in a development, to have to walk in the street to, avoid getting wet. Simply schedule the sprinkles to start at 1 am.
more like 3am – that’s the most common. If it’s it’s in middle of day, it’s just a mistake – and besides, it’s not good for grass, as acts as magnifying glass and actually burns grass – from experts!
The real issue lies with the planning board. When projects are approved without sufficient space, people end up parking wherever they can, legal or not. What else are they supposed to do, stay out all night because there’s no place to park?
In many developments, there’s also no designated space to store trash cans neatly or put away children’s toys. That’s why when you drive through a typical Lakewood development, it often looks messy. These problems start with poor planning, not the people living there.
sidewalks are not a Reshus Harabbim.
just he is required by law to allow you to walk there.
the township does not shovel it for you.
and if the owner of that property is the one with the bins there maybe he has a right also? maybe not, maybe you always have a right to walk there, but it is not a Reshus Harabbim.
Its owner maintained public property. You don’t own the sidewalk in front of your house, the city does. You ARE required to maintain it though- shoveling and keeping it clear so that pedestrians can walk safely. Problem is when the planning forgot to think of trash can management. I’m not sure who’s issue that is- the owner’s or the city’s
The OP isn’t talking Halacha Reshus Harabim.It’s a practical reshus Harabim. That being said, there are areas in Lakewood where the sidewalk would probably be a Halachik Reshus Harabim.
Policy is you’re supposed to take in bins by evening of pickup day. And taking in earlier is nice too. Spraying out bins and maybe sidewalk and road too can be helpful, as necessry.
Yes. Your right. And
Have some appreciation.
Most towns don’t provide garbage pick up. The residents must pay a private company to pick up their garbage and recycling.
Do you have a neighborhood chat? Maybe bring it up there. Seems specific to your neighborhood so putting it up here probably not as effective.
I see it every where in Lakewood when ever I travel there.
The pictures appears to show space on the sidewalk for a stroller to go behind the garbage cans… Not sure why you need to make a fuss when they aren’t fully blocking the sidewalk.
Additionally, some people travel for work often and are not around to bring the garbage cans back(even if it only takes a few minutes).
Not every frustration for you equals inconsideration from others.
The picture posted was a random picture-not where I was referring to. There is no reason why two days after garbage pickup, there should still be garbage cans littering the sidewalk.
It’s not neighborly to impede pedestrians, people should appreciate that others prefer to walk rather than drive on already crowded roads. Think about the people that are being inconvenienced; most likely mothers and families walking young children and elderly and disabled keeping their independence by using pedestrian sidewalks to travel. “Karen” is the good neighbor.
There is surely someone in the home who can put the can away or people can pay someone to put it away if they work all day. It’s part of maintaining a nice community.
I see you know your customers.
Calling it a “Reshus Harabim” and that being the reason why not to leave out the garbage cans.
How about, it’s just disgusting and inconsiderate.
I dont live on a narrow street but it makes the neighborhood look like trash when people don’t take their garbage cans off the street after the garbage has been picked up. This just started in our neighborhood over the last few years. I dont understand why people do that.
Also bulk trash items should not block sidewalk. Also people should cut branches, not leave gates open (should have spring to close automatically.) Children should be kindly taught not to leave toys on sidewalk etc. etc.