To combat litter, we need more trash and recycling bins in our parks

To the editor:

People in Wellesley take immense pride in their beautiful and picturesque town; however there is a growing problem in this town—littering. We are writing to every townsperson to take a more active and personal approach to reducing litter in Wellesley.

Litter of all kinds piles up in Wellesley, ending up on streets, in waterways, and beyond. Why are we still treating our environment like it’s disposable? To combat the environmental crisis in Wellesley, we must increase the budget for the Natural Resource Committee (NRC) to ensure more money is being spent on trash and recycling bins in our parks.

The impact of litter in Wellesley is both environmental and economic. Discarded waste doesn’t just stay on the roads and sidewalks; it goes into the ponds and waterways managed by the NRC, including Lake Waban and even some parts of the Charles River. Furthermore, the harmful waste lingers in waterways for about 1,000 years. Moreover, according to our survey on littering, nearly 80% of students and staff at Wellesley Middle School reported that they believe adding more trash and recycling bins would reduce littering. Some residents might argue that Wellesley doesn’t need more trash or recycling bins, saying littering is a behavioral problem and that extra bins increase maintenance costs. However, Sustainable Wellesley and other organizations have proven that convenient bins are a simple way to reduce litter and make recycling easier.

Even in well-managed suburban towns like Wellesley, recycling rates are not perfect, meaning a significant amount of plastic still ends up in landfills or the natural environment. If pollution spreads, it will become a serious issue because it does not biodegrade and instead breaks down into microplastics that remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Additionally, in Wellesley, waste that is not properly recycled can end up in local waterways, contributing to long-term environmental damage. By investing in more bins in parks, the town gives residents the tools to dispose of waste responsibly, keeping public spaces cleaner and supporting long-term environmental goals.

On a personal level, it is heartbreaking to walk through the trails at Morses Pond and see a family of ducks navigating through discarded plastic bottles and old chip bags. Animals can mistake this plastic for food, leading to injury or death. This pollution not only harms wildlife but also takes away from the natural beauty of the community. Protecting the environment means protecting the places people care about and the animals that live there, making it a responsibility everyone shares. The cost of more bins is outweighed by the long-term benefits of reduced litter, improved park aesthetics, and increased community pride. We must take action. Please continue to push for a higher budget for the Natural Resource Committee. Let’s keep Wellesley clean and safe for all species!

Gryphon Loccisano
Tyler Nardone
Grade 8 students, WMS