Austin, TX is using violet-colored trash bags to encourage homeless to collect and dispose of litter

Austin, TX is using violet-colored trash bags for litter

In Progress

The City of Austin launched a pilot program to reduce the amount of trash and litter build-up in certain parts of the city. Homeless residents are given violet trash bags and encouraged to use the bags to collect garbage and drop them off at designated locations.

Waste Management Environmental Services Solid Waste Management Homelessness 2021 Readers Choice Budget Friendly

Austin, TX

Municipality in Texas

United States

Newsworthy

What’s up with those violet trash bags appearing around Austin? | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

By: Bailey Grimmett The City of Austin Service Design Lab recently launched a garbage collection pilot aimed at reducing the amount of trash and litter build-up in select areas within the City. The big idea? To provide trash bags – violet trash bags – and garbage collection services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

What are those violet trash bags about? How Austin hopes to encourage homeless population to clean up their areas | KXAN.com

For the next six weeks you may see violet-colored trash bags in certain sections of Austin.

Project Succeeded

The City of Austin expanded the pilot program to include bigger trash bags and bag kiosks where the trash bags can be dropped off. Over 500 pounds of trash were collected in the first six weeks of the program. It remains to be seen if the city will adopt the program full time.

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