New York City may sparkle from afar, but up close, it reeks – literally. Overflowing trash bags, rat parades, and sidewalks smeared with dog waste have earned it the title of America’s dirtiest major city. Locals aren’t just fed up, they’re furious, and they’re finally speaking out.
From Brooklyn to the Bronx, residents say the grime isn’t just gross – it’s a daily battle against neglect. City officials promise a “Trash Revolution,” but many New Yorkers say it’s too little, too late.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live in filth, buckle up – this is the raw, unfiltered truth straight from the streets.
The Ranking That Sparked A Citywide Eye Roll
In April 2025, Oxi Fresh released a nationwide cleanliness audit ranking 35 major U.S. metro areas. The New York-Newark-Jersey City region landed dead last, earning a “D” grade. The study evaluated air and water quality, pest infestations, litter, vandalism, and population density.
With over 23 million people in the tri-state area, the city’s sanitation systems are under constant strain. Time Out New York reported that many locals weren’t shocked by the results. “Are we surprised? No,” one resident told the outlet.
“We’ve been living with this for years.” The ranking reignited public frustration over the city’s long-standing waste and pest problems. For many, it confirmed what they already knew.
Rats, Roaches, And Sidewalk Trash
New York’s trash troubles are deeply rooted in its infrastructure. Unlike other cities, NYC lacks back alleys for trash bins, forcing garbage onto sidewalks. This setup has fueled rat and roach infestations for decades.
According to Newsweek, the city has made recent strides in containerizing waste. As of mid-2025, 70% of residential trash is now placed in bins, including food waste.
The Department of Sanitation says rat sightings have dropped compared to the previous year. Still, residents say the improvements are uneven. “Some blocks look better, but others are just as bad,” said Brooklyn resident Amore Philip in an interview with Newsweek. The pests remain a symbol of the city’s sanitation struggles.
A Trash Revolution In Progress
Mayor Eric Adams launched the “Trash Revolution” in October 2022 to overhaul waste management. The initiative aims to replace sidewalk garbage bags with sealed, rat-resistant containers. By March 2024, all businesses were required to use bins. In November 2024, residential buildings with up to nine units joined the mandate.
West Harlem became the first neighborhood in North America to fully containerize its trash. The city also installed over 1,100 on-street bins for large residential buildings. In May 2025, Adams committed $32 million in permanent funding to sanitation efforts.
The Department of Sanitation says these changes will protect neighborhood cleanliness for generations. But residents say enforcement and consistency are still lacking.
Brooklyn Speaks: “We’re Not Surprised”
Amore Philip, a Brooklyn resident of over 30 years, told Newsweek she wasn’t shocked by the city’s ranking. “The sanitation issues are glaring, especially in underserved neighborhoods,” she said. Philip, who runs Apples & Oranges Public Relations, sees the impact daily.
She believes the problem stems from both infrastructure and public mindset. “There are countries with fewer resources that are far cleaner than NYC,” she added. Philip compared New York to her native Barbados, which she says maintains impressively clean public spaces.
She emphasized the need for civic pride and accountability. “People need to care more about their environment,” she said. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among longtime residents.
The Sidewalk Minefield: Dog Waste
Philip also pointed to dog waste as a persistent issue. “It’s everywhere – some neighborhoods more than others,” she said. Many pet owners fail to clean up after their dogs, especially in residential areas. The result is unsanitary sidewalks and a sense of public neglect.
“It’s grotesque and sends a message that public spaces are no one’s responsibility,” Philip told Newsweek. Residents say the problem worsens in warmer months.
The smell and visibility of waste become harder to ignore. Some neighborhoods have tried installing bag dispensers and signage. But without enforcement, the issue persists. It’s a daily nuisance that adds to the city’s dirty image.
Grit vs. Grime: Where Charm Ends
New York’s gritty reputation is part of its cultural identity. But residents say there’s a difference between charm and filth. “Gritty doesn’t mean unsanitary,” Philip explained. Aging infrastructure and inconsistent sanitation services blur the line.
Littering and weak enforcement only worsen the situation. “The perception isn’t off – it’s rooted in visible daily realities,” she said. Locals say the city’s character shouldn’t excuse its cleanliness issues.
The contrast between luxury high-rises and trash-strewn sidewalks is jarring. For many, the grime undermines the city’s appeal. It’s a problem that can’t be ignored.
Summer Stench And Overflowing Bins
Sanitation issues peak during the summer months. Heat intensifies the smell of garbage and accelerates decomposition. Overflowing bins become breeding grounds for pests. “The sidewalks and trash buildup are unbearable in the summer,” Philip said.
Residents say the problem is especially bad in high-density areas. The city’s sanitation crews struggle to keep up. Some blocks receive more frequent service than others.
The disparity fuels frustration among locals. Summer turns the city’s dirty secret into a public spectacle.
Business And The Burden Of Filth
Philip says the city’s cleanliness affects her business, too. As a PR firm owner, she often has to plan around street conditions. “I’ve had to scout locations just to avoid trash in event photos,” she said. The issue isn’t just aesthetic – it impacts perception.
Visitors judge the city by what they see. Dirty streets can ruin first impressions. Philip believes cleanliness is an economic issue as well. It affects tourism, business, and daily quality of life.
For entrepreneurs, it’s an obstacle that shouldn’t exist. Clean streets are more than civic pride – they’re good business.
Residents Want Accountability, Not Excuses
Across New York City, residents are fed up with living among piles of trash – and they’re demanding action. In Queens, Rodrigo Salazar described his daily walk near the 65th Street station as a “maze of litter,” dodging fruit flies and even stepping into traffic to avoid garbage. “We’re like forgotten citizens,” he told CBS New York, after years of reporting issues and seeing no lasting change.
Meanwhile, in East New York, Andre Donald said in his interview with CBS News that he has watched garbage stack up beside four empty lots near his home, calling the situation “disgusting” and “gross.” “You’re not supposed to live like this,” he said, adding that his family has filed over a dozen complaints to 311 with little result.
Neighbor Armani Reese echoed the frustration, saying the trash makes outsiders view the area as a dump site, despite being home to families and children. Both neighborhoods suffer from a lack of trash cans, overgrown lots, and rodent infestations, with residents pleading for enforcement and consistent cleanup. “I want this to be cleaned up, and I don’t know how to stop the garbage from coming,” Donald said. These voices reflect a growing chorus across the city: New Yorkers want more than promises – they want accountability.
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