I almost wonder if the resolution would be to remove this garbage can altogether. I had requested it back in 2009 since there was none there. The trash problem only got worse because several homeless folks pull all of the trash out at night and Oakland only empties this receptacle once a week.

@dbolander I have seen the can collectors pulling all the trash out and making a big mess. I have cleaned it up myself a handful of times. Thank you for requesting the trash can, how do you do that?

I think having an additional can closer to the corner on the south east side of MLK and 40th would reduce the amount of litter. Possibly adding a recycling bin right next to the BART or right next to a garbage can might keep can collectors out of the garbage and it probably wouldn't have to be emptied since the collectors would do it. Possibly having a big blue bin that is easily accessible to can collectors would help beautify this corner.

I do feel that a solution is needed as it is a big gateway into our neighborhood and to Oakland from the MacArthur Bart station especially as the MacArthur Transit Village develops. It would be nice if the taxi drivers could help maintain the area. In theory, if the area is nicer they would get more customers as more people would move to or shop in the area or generally see it as a more pleasant place to be.

I contacted the group within Oakland’s public works division that distributes waste receptacles. I’ll try and dig up that correspondence with them. The gentleman I spoke with said there should be a trash receptacle at any bus stop which is why they added one here.

The trash picking has correlated directly with the tanking of the economy. Cab drivers add to the litter as well; many tend to clean out their cabs right onto the streets and use that area to urinate while they're at it.

So ready for a new mayor. Quan was a mistake.

City of Oakland Public Works Agency addressed this issue on 08/16/2012, service request # 421389.