Rats are reportedly decreasing in NYC due to new trash regulations causing overflowing bins
In an unprecedented move, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a city-wide initiative called "Rat Academy," an education campaign aimed at preventing rodent infestations. This initiative is just one part of Adams' broader strategy to combat the city's rat problem.
Since the launch of the Rat Academy, Adams has reported a consistent decrease in rat sightings each month in the city. This decline has continued for eight straight months, with 311 rat complaints falling since last Tuesday. This significant drop is a promising sign that the mayor's efforts are bearing fruit.
Adams has also coined the term "trash revolution" for the citywide push to move garbage from sidewalk trash bags into rat-resistant bins. Residents have already shown a keen interest in this initiative, with nearly 900,000 official NYC Bins ordered or purchased, well ahead of the new containerization rules that take effect next summer.
The mayor has expressed his desire for the "trash revolution" to continue, stating that the normalization of trash and filth in cities is not a necessity. He has emphasized the bold, immediate action taken by the city to address the rodent problem, including experimental tactics like pumping carbon monoxide into rat burrows.
Sanitation crews have also been active, clearing more than 15 million pounds of litter from highway shoulders and medians in New York City. This effort has resulted in an increase in the disappearance of trash from roadways, further reducing the city's rat population.
From the inaugural Rat Summit, Adams has been employing new methods to tackle the rodent problem. He has announced the expansion of participation in the city's container program and expressed confidence in proving the doubters wrong regarding the city's efforts to reduce the rodent population.
The mayor's determination to address the city's rat problem has been evident, and the decrease in rat sightings and increased use of city-approved containers are seen as a turning point in Mayor Adams' efforts. As the "trash revolution" continues, New York City moves towards a cleaner, healthier, and rat-free future.
