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HISTORY This Week
New York Takes Out the Trash
Nov 18, 2024
In this discussion, Robin Nagle, an anthropologist with the NYC Department of Sanitation and a clinical professor at NYU, dives deep into New York City's long history with its notorious rat population. She highlights the city's shift to containerization in waste management as a key strategy to tackle urban cleanliness and rat control. Nagle also reflects on the evolution of sanitation practices, from colonial times to modern reforms, showcasing the pivotal role of socio-economic factors and innovative leaders in shaping New York's sanitation landscape.
36:23
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Quick takeaways
- New York City's fight against rats focuses on improved waste management strategies like containerization to enhance public health and sanitation.
- Historically, New York's garbage management has evolved from chaotic practices to organized systems, influenced by public health crises and key reformers.
Deep dives
The War on Rats in New York City
New York City faces a persistent and significant challenge in managing its rat population, which is estimated to number around three million. The city government's recent initiatives focus on tackling the underlying issue of waste management, as rats thrive in environments with abundant trash. By shifting to a containerization strategy, utilizing sturdy plastic containers instead of plastic bags that rats can easily breach, New York aims to create a more rat-proof environment. Mayor Eric Adams underscores that this battle against rats is not just about aesthetics but essential for public health and urban comfort.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode