A hiker posted a photo of an overflowing trash can in Glover Archbold Park in Washington, D.C., pleading for outdoor enthusiasts to help keep national parks clean amid funding cuts and intermittent shutdowns affecting park services.
"Please carry trash out of NPS [National Park Service] parks if you can," the poster wrote in a Reddit post above the photo.
"This is the trash can at the edge of Glover Archbold trail where it crosses New Mexico Ave/Garfield St NW," they shared. "Please help us keep the park clean while the NPS workers can't! Carry your trash home or to another trash can that is collected by the city!"
The post is from five months ago during a government shutdown that affected the NPS. That shutdown may have ended, but according to the National Parks Conservation Association, the NPS has lost almost 25% of its permanent workforce since January 2025. This has affected critical maintenance operations, like trash collection.
While it may not be easy or pleasant to pack trash out when bins are overflowing, everyone who enjoys the natural beauty of these places should do their part to keep them beautiful. Careless or selfish actions by those who spend time in the natural world but don't take care of it can inhibit others' connection to it.
Aside from being an eyesore, trash poses health and safety risks to humans and wildlife. It can spread disease, is often fatal to the fauna that eat it, and can make its way into waterways.
The OP's photo and plea ignited strong reactions and sparked a passionate conversation in the comment section.
"Some dog owners are truly in their own world," a commenter wrote in reference to the most visible item in the photo being bags of dog waste. "Just walk home with it, have some decency and be responsible."
Several commenters pointed out that they don't feel it is their responsibility to take on the work that government officials are supposed to ensure gets done.
"But by leaving your trash strewn around, you're not punishing [those officials]," another replied. "You're punishing your own neighbors."
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