"Confronting New York City's Absurd Trash Problem"

New York City's trash problem is a result of historical decisions and urban density, with trash bags piled on sidewalks attracting rats and straining sanitation workers. The city plans to shift to containerized trash collection, but faces challenges in finding space for containers and balancing competing demands for curb space. The proposed plan involves using wheelie bins for smaller residences and large stationary containers for big apartment buildings, while midsize buildings present a challenge. The city's plan aims to balance the need for cleaner streets with the complexities of New York's diverse urban landscape, but critics argue that the focus on rats overlooks opportunities to rethink the city's streetscape and reduce overall waste.