My name is David, and I am dedicated to cleaning New York by using social media to build a major volunteer network for the entire city. I started Trash Talk as a way to document cleaning my own neighborhood in Washington Heights. The goal was to show a small number of neighbors that someone cared about them. The account unexpectedly exploded to 2500 followers in less than a week.
Now, we are facing an incredible opportunity to take care of the communities we love. This project will span all of New York. We currently have 50 volunteers across Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. I expect to grow to 1,000 volunteers over the coming months. I am currently seeking funding to purchase equipment for our volunteers including but not limited to trash bags, grabbers, safety gloves, water, and other necessities. Funding will also be used to organize events across 2026.
The ultimate goal is to attain a robust volunteer network assigned to their own communities. I truly believe that local knowledge and connection to the community is the only means for lasting cultural change.
Of course, infrastructure is an obvious challenge. There are clear shortcomings and discrepancies in waste management. This mission is going to demand accountability and go to City Hall, where I hope a receptive office will work alongside us to strengthen New York’s trash infrastructure.
The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn will host community litter cleanups. We want our results to speak for themselves: clean streets for the most problematic zones of New York. We want these communities to experience what life should and now could be.
Organizer
