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
- Add public toiletsResident asks the City to add public toilets.2025–26City-wide
- 24/7 free public restrooms with regular upkeepResident asks for more free, accessible 24/7 public restrooms that get regular upkeep and cleaning.2025–26City-wide
- More 24/7 public restrooms near T stopsResident asks to increase the number of public restrooms, open 24/7 and ideally near T stops.2025–26City-wide
- More public bathrooms and water fountains at parksResident asks for more public bathrooms and water fountains, especially at parks and playgrounds, benefiting people who walk, use transit or lack housing.2025–26City-wide
- Public restroomsResident asks for public restrooms, saying their absence reflects a society that fails itself.2025–26City-wide
- Build public bathroomsResident asks for public bathrooms in the city.2025–26City-wide
- Free, 24/7 public restrooms near transitResident asks for free, accessible, clean, well-maintained public restrooms open 24/7 near transit and stocked with sanitary products, noting the impact on marginalized and unhoused people.2025–26City-wide
- More public restrooms near transitResident asks for more public restrooms near transportation so people, including poorer and homeless individuals unwelcome in businesses, can easily access bathrooms.2025–26City-wide
- Free public restrooms near public transportationResident asks for free public restrooms across the city near public transportation, as a necessary facility for all residents and visitors regardless of income or race.2025–26City-wide
- Public restroom at 天下為公Resident asks for a public restroom at 天下為公 to keep the community clean and tidy.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Restroom for 天下為公 parkResident asks for a restroom at the 天下為公 park to keep Chinatown clean and tidy.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Public restroom or cooling structure at Chinatown parkResident asks for a public restroom or cooling facility such as a spray structure at 天下為公, where many people gather to play cards and relax.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Restroom at 天下為公 pocket parkResident asks for a restroom at the small park near the 天下為公 gate because elderly people struggle to find one, which would help more people join community life.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- 24/7 accessible public restrooms near T stationsResident asks for clean, accessible 24/7 restrooms near T stations with sanitary products and needle disposal, for dignity and equity, especially for disabled people, women and those without money.2025–26City-wide
- Public restroom at Chinatown gateResident requests a public restroom at the Chinatown gate to keep the neighborhood cleaner and prevent people from dirtying the streets.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Public restroom at Chinatown gate areaResident asks for a public restroom near the 天下為公 gate because Chinatown has none, and people relieving themselves outdoors harms cleanliness and the area's image.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Free 24/7 restrooms near transitResident asks for free, accessible, 24/7 public restrooms near transit, citing dignity, sustainability and enjoyment of the city.2025–26City-wide
- 24/7 public bathrooms near MBTA stopsResident asks for 24/7 public bathrooms near MBTA stops, since not everyone can afford to buy something to use a cafe restroom, and it would encourage transit use.2025–26City-wide
- Public restrooms, shaded green space, non-toxic materialsResident asks for more public restrooms, shaded green spaces and housing built with sustainable materials that don't overheat, since low-income and unhoused people suffer most from heat and poor sanitation.2025–26City-wide
- More public trash cansResident asks for more public trash cans to keep streets clean.2025–26Brighton