Rats Expelled From Harlem Schools With New Trash Container Program

HARLEM — Rats are going to be expelled from Harlem schools under a new trash container program launched in Harlem, City Council Member Shaun Abreu announced Wednesday.

Sanitation workers will install this week rat-proof waste containers at 14 West Harlem schools, the City Council member told Patch.

“Our teachers and administrators have been forced to become waste managers rather than educators, which is already difficult enough,” Abreu said in a statement. “We’re done putting up with rats rummaging through black plastic bags thrown all over the place.”

The bins come as part of a $5.7 million containerization initiative that, if it proves successful, could launch citywide. It was first announced in May.

Patch reached out to the Sanitation department to find out which schools are getting rat-banishing bins, and will update the story when we find out more.

At least one of the school appears to be P.S./I.S. 210 on West 152nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, where a smiling Abreu stopped by to pose for a photo, sans rats.

Three 606-gallon wheeled shared containers will be placed permanently in the parking lane outside of schools, each taking up about 8 feet, according to a Sanitation department report on the program.

Among those to celebrate the uptown modern garbage extravaganza was Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine who rejoiced at the end of the "rodent buffet."

“We deserve better than sidewalks piled with leaking garbage bags torn open by swarms of rats," Levine said. "I’m thrilled that Harlem schools will soon lead the way on waste and recycling."

Bins will also be set up in a 10-block zone with buildings with more than seven apartments, the report notes. Those are slated to arrive in September, according to Abreu.

Trash will be picked up daily with help from trucks with mechanical tippers (because it's classy to tip).

Abreu said he's proud the program will launch in Harlem where locals have too long endured infrequent trash pickups, slumlords who let garbage fester and swarms of rats "who dine like kings."

“We take a lot of pride in our neighborhood," said Abreu. "And we’re done being surrounded by trash and rats. It’s time Harlem got the attention it deserves.”