Boston’s “Allston Christmas” Trash Crisis: Streets Overflowing
UPDATE: Boston’s annual “Allston Christmas,” the September 1 move-in rush, has left streets in Allston and South Boston overflowing with trash and discarded furniture. As of now, residents report a mounting crisis, with sidewalks and alleyways cluttered with items from bed frames to couches, following a delayed city trash pickup.
“It’s a mess out here,” said resident Jack Hamm, as he surveyed the debris. The streets are filled with “all kinds of funny things, big and small,” but many of the good finds have vanished. While thousands of renters moved into new apartments, some scored free furniture over the weekend. However, by Tuesday, the usable items had mostly disappeared.
The city’s 311 app has been inundated with complaints about the trash pileups, signaling a growing frustration among residents. Mayor Michelle Wu reassured the public, stating, “The reason we have a 311 app is so that we can know where these things are happening and get out there right away.” Despite these efforts, locals are expressing concerns about the severity of the issue this year.
“I’ve just noticed a lot of trash piling up everywhere,” said Charlie Shroyer, who moved into an Allston apartment on Labor Day. He managed to salvage a TV stand from the heaps, but most of what remains is deemed unusable. “I don’t know what the schedule is or when trash is supposed to be picked up,” Shroyer added, reflecting a shared uncertainty in the community.
A local building owner anticipates that most of the debris will be cleared by Wednesday. The usual Tuesday trash pickup was delayed due to the holiday weekend, exacerbating the situation. Residents are now anxiously awaiting action from city officials as they deal with the aftermath of the chaotic move-in period.
Boston’s streets are now facing what many describe as the worst aftermath in years, with neighbors urging swift action to address the overflowing trash. The city is committed to cleaning up the mess, but for now, residents are left navigating a sea of discarded belongings.
As the cleanup efforts ramp up, residents are encouraged to use the 311 app to report specific locations of trash. The urgency of the situation is palpable, and city officials are on high alert to respond as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
