New York City's Rat Infestation Linked to 1971 Decision on Trash Bags

Rats have become an undeniable fixture of New York City, with sightings on subway platforms and disappearing into sidewalk cracks being commonplace. Experts point to a pivotal decision made in 1971 as a key factor in the city's escalating rodent problem: the replacement of metal trash cans with plastic bags.

This shift, while simplifying waste disposal for sanitation workers, inadvertently created a feast for the city's rat population. Brown rats, originating from Asia and arriving in North America via trade ships in the mid-18th century, are among the most numerous mammals globally. They require minimal food and water daily, and the readily available trash bags provide easy access to sustenance. Rats typically nest within 30 meters of a food source, and the ubiquitous plastic bags have made finding meals significantly easier.

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Food within reach of teeth.

Before 1971, metal cans with lids offered a barrier against rodents. Today, according to rodent control expert Bobby Corrigan, rats inhabit approximately 90% of New York City. Corrigan emphasizes the direct link: "No trash, no rats." While reverting to closed containers seems like a straightforward solution, the financial and logistical hurdles are immense. An estimate by former Mayor Eric Adams' administration suggested that converting 90% of the city to containers would cost millions of dollars. Additional challenges include the loss of parking spaces for containers, the need for more frequent waste collection, and the high price of specialized sealed bins. Some experimental "Bigbelly" containers, which compact waste, cost around $7,000 each and are prone to damage or overflow.

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No trash, no rats.