Trash can placement near picnic areas raises concerns in Mission Bay

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The placement of trash cans near picnic tables has one San Diego resident pressing the city to take corrective action.

Every visit to Mission Bay Park reminds native Mike Petersen of what he believes is a health risk.

"I don’t know it’s always bothered me that where I’m going to throw away my trash is right next to where I’m eating," he explained.

Cement trash and recycle receptables sit throughout the park. City staff estimate there are about 100 combined. 

“That’s the first thing I noticed when I got here," said resident Margaux Hakkaart.

If maintenance slips, she said it’s easy to see how conditions might decline.

“I’m just happy that they have these spaces for us and places that we can throw our trash in and have an easy fun night," said Hakkaart.

Some trash cans are several feet away from picnic tables and benches, but others are nearly up against them. 

“On busy weekends these things will fill up. The birds come, pick at it and fly away and they defecate on the tables," said Petersen.

Others worry that even when owners clean up pet waste is another factor.

“Some things will attract flies and maybe ruin the experience for the next person. It's unintentional, but if the city moves the trash cans, then it could definitely solve this problem," said resident Rory Herrman.

On top of sanitation concerns, Petersen said he worries about ADA accessibility. 

“The only place they really have to sit to join the family would be on the ends and most of these tables have the ends blocked off by trash," he pointed out.

FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the city for comment. In a statement, a spokesperson said:

“Trash receptacles are located near or adjacent to many picnic tables to provide easy access to the receptacles for picnickers. It's important that park users dispose of their litter in the receptacles and having them nearby the areas where people are most likely to generate garbage makes it easier for people to dispose of it. We are unaware of any health or safety concerns related to the placement of the receptacles.”

Meanwhile, in response to his Get it Done app request, Petersen said a city staffer told him they like his idea and will try to address it in any new park improvements in the future. 

FOX 5/KUSI also asked the city what the maintenance cost associated with moving the trash cans would be but have yet to heard back on that specific question.