L.A.’s Cleanup Efforts Fall Short Despite Big Budget

Despite a multi-million-dollar budget dedicated to cleaning up Los Angeles, the city continues to struggle with litter and debris. On a recent Monday morning, Jill Mather, founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities, tackled a steep hillside littered with cans and bottles. The cleanup was requested by Councilmember John Lee’s office.

Mather, along with just three volunteers, attempted to clear the area. “It was a massive, steep hill,” Mather said, describing the daunting task they faced. The small team managed to collect what they could, but Mather noted that the remaining debris would require a more specialized crew to handle.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Los Angeles faces in maintaining clean public spaces, even with significant financial resources allocated for such efforts. The persistent litter problem underscores the need for more effective strategies and community involvement to keep the city clean.