Boston struggles to manage trash crisis after chaotic move-in day

In Boston, thousands of college students experienced a hectic Labor Day weekend as they moved into off-campus housing. The annual move-in day, which occurs on September 1, coincided with the start of the school year, leading to intense traffic and crowded streets, particularly in neighborhoods like Allston and South Boston. Students reported that their moving experience felt chaotic, with many rushing to settle into their accommodations before classes began. Movers aimed to avoid congestion by starting early, arriving as early as 7 a.m. to secure parking and navigate the busy roads. The phenomenon known as "Allston Christmas" contributed to the spectacle, as discarded furniture and items were left on the streets for others to take. Residents in these neighborhoods looked forward to finding free secondhand items, but this year’s garbage situation seemed worse to some longtime residents. Amid the madness, trash began to pile up on sidewalks, prompting a surge in complaints to the city’s 311 app about the increased litter. Items ranging from mattresses to couches cluttered the area, creating not only an eyesore but also raising health and safety concerns. Amid these issues, Mayor Michelle Wu indicated that the city was responsive to the complaints and was working to manage the overflow of trash resulting from the November 1 moving rush. Neighborhood reports suggest that while some residents managed to score good finds, most of what remains on the streets is considered unusable. There was also concern about the delayed city pickup due to the holiday, further exacerbating the problem. Many impacted residents like Charlie Shroyer noted the unusually high levels of trash compared to previous years. With regular trash collection services disrupted, it was unclear when the full cleanup would be completed. Building owner predictions indicated that most debris would be cleared soon, but immediate action was necessary to keep the living areas clean and safe for residents. In light of the observed chaos and trash problems associated with the move-in period, upcoming solutions and adjustments will be key to addressing these challenges in future years.