Clean streets & restrooms
Consistent priorityTrash, litter, rodent control and public restrooms so neighborhoods are clean and basic hygiene needs are met.
Residents consistently ask for more public trash cans, rat-proof waste containers, regular street cleaning and free, clean public restrooms in every neighborhood.
Theme grouped and summary written with AI from this theme's resident ideas.
276 ideas across three cycles
| Cycle | Ideas | Share of all ideas | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 62 | 5.1% | 9 of 20 |
| 2025–26 | 147 | 12.2% | 1 of 20 |
| 2026–27 | 67 | 5.1% | 9 of 20 |
Needs that keep coming back
More public trash cans and pickups
Residents want more public trash cans, emptied more often, especially near bus stops, restaurants, parks and in neighborhoods they feel are underserved.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Rat control and rat-proof trash storage
Residents link rats to trash left on streets and ask for enclosed or rat-proof bins, trash cans for small buildings, and targeted control in places like Allston.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Public restrooms
Residents ask for more free, clean, accessible public restrooms in parks, near transit and in neighborhoods with none, so no one has to buy something to use a toilet.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
More frequent street cleaning and cleanup staff
Residents ask for more frequent sweeping and for paid or volunteer crews to clear litter from streets and sidewalks.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Education on litter, recycling and pet waste
Residents ask for awareness programs and workshops that teach neighbors how to dispose of trash properly, recycle and pick up after pets.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
2024–25
Ideas covered a broad mix of trash cans, rat control, public bathrooms, and cleanup, including rat birth control pilots, trash barrels for small buildings, and some requests for public showers.
2025–26
Public restrooms dominated this cycle: well over a hundred ideas asked for free, clean, 24/7 bathrooms near transit stations, and many Chinatown residents asked for a restroom at the gate.
2026–27
Ideas turned to how trash is stored and collected, including shared or street-side bins in East Boston, the North End and the South End, along with more street cleaners in Chinatown and a smaller number of restroom requests.
New in 2026–27
New or growing asks include NYC-style shared or containerized trash bins and street-side storage for homes without space, plus beach and harbor cleanup, poison-free rat control, and Chinatown street cleaning staffing.
Funding so far
The 2024-25 rat prevention winner addresses the recurring rodent and waste-management ask, but no winning project yet covers public restrooms, more public trash cans, street cleaning crews, or litter and recycling education.
Projects are linked to themes by matching each project's description to the themes; this is not an official City classification.
Rat Prevention Initiatives in Dense Residential Areas
2024–25 · $500,000
This proposal aims to tackle rodent infestations in identified hotspots by improving waste management practices and reducing food access for rats.
Departments that often lead this work
- Public Works
- Boston Public Health Commission
- Parks & Recreation
Suggested with AI; not an official assignment of responsibility.
Ideas in Clean streets & restrooms
276 ideas
2024–25: 62 · 2025–26: 147 · 2026–27: 67
- Free accessible public restrooms near transitResident asks for free, accessible public restrooms near transit because few exist and people must buy something to use one, affecting low-income, disabled and transit-dependent people.2025–26City-wide
- More public restrooms for low-income residentsResident asks for public restrooms, noting lack of restrooms disproportionately affects low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness.2025–26City-wide
- Public bathrooms in MBTA train stationsResident asks for public bathrooms in MBTA train stations, citing public health.2025–26City-wide
- Clean 24/7 public bathrooms, especially downtownResident wants clean public bathrooms open around the clock, especially downtown, for people who cannot afford to pay to use a private business's restroom.2025–26City-wide
- Accessible public restrooms near T stopsResident asks for more accessible public restrooms located near T stops.2025–26City-wide
- Public toilets in every neighborhood with cleaning fundsResident asks for public toilets in all neighborhoods along with funding to keep them clean.2025–26City-wide
- More public restroomsResident asks for more public restrooms.2025–26City-wide
- More public restroomsResident asks for more public restrooms.2025–26City-wide
- Public restrooms in parks and public spacesResident requests public restrooms in parks and public spaces so families, homeless people, residents and tourists can use them without buying something from a vendor.2025–26City-wide
- Trash bins for North End buildingsResident asks for trash bins in the North End, opt-in per building (about one per four residents), to reduce rats on the streets at night.2025–26North End
- More public restroomsResident asks for more restrooms available to the public.2025–26City-wide
- More readily available public bathroomsResident asks for more public bathrooms, noting a medical need for frequent bathroom use makes getting around the city difficult.2025–26City-wide
- 24/7 public restrooms near T stopsThe resident asks for more public restrooms open 24/7 near T stops.2025–26City-wide
- Free restrooms and showers at busy MBTA stationsThe resident asks for free bathrooms with showers at the busiest MBTA sites, including the airport station, so unhoused people can be clean for job applications.2025–26City-wide
- More free 24/7 public restroomsThe resident asks for more free public restrooms open 24/7 since stores require purchases, citing dignity, clean streets and diaper-changing needs for parents.2025–26City-wide
- Free 24/7 public restrooms near transitThe resident asks for more free, accessible, regularly cleaned public restrooms open 24/7 near transit and stocked with sanitary products, citing safety and dignity.2025–26City-wide
- Rat controlResident asks for rat control to make environments safer for everyone.2025–26City-wide
- Year-round street cleaning and dumpster regulationResident asks for year-round street cleaning and more regulation of dumpster trash so the community looks better.2025–26City-wide
- Clean streets, at-risk businesses, food accessResident asks for investment in clean streets, funding for local at-risk businesses and more accessible food options.2025–26City-wide
- Clear needles and bottles from streetsResident asks for a safer street initiative that removes needles and bottles, through sanitation crews or safe spaces for drug users to get help.2025–26City-wide