Rochester parks shifting to a 'Pack In, Pack Out' trash policy

The Rochester park system is introducing a new “Pack In, Pack Out” waste management model aimed at reducing costs and the city’s carbon footprint.

In an announcement made Monday, park officials said the new policy will mean eliminating waste collection at smaller neighborhood parks.

“All of the trash collected in our local parks originates elsewhere,” said Park and Forestry Division Head Mike Nigbur, such as trash cleaned out of cars and lunchtime leftovers. “We are asking all park and trail users to take out whatever waste they bring in,” including pet waste.

By asking the public to “leave no trace,” the city hopes to cut down on the 600 tons of trash collected from city parks and buildings annually.

In an email Monday afternoon, Nigbur acknowledged it will take time for the community to adjust to the model — though he remains optimistic that the positive benefits will outweigh any of the short-term challenges.

“I do expect that we will need to continue to monitor trash locations and continue to educate patrons of this new model,” said Nigbur. “Luckily, many park patrons already have the environment in mind.”

While the “Pack In, Pack Out” style of waste management has been a standard in state and federal parks for many years, park officials said the trend is now also moving toward urban park activities.

Despite the change in policy, a limited number of trash receptacles will continue to be maintained at key points in the park system.

As a reminder, city parks and trails remain open amid the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the public is prohibited from engaging in group activities where participants come into close contact with one another.

Cover photo: Silver Lake Park / David Henry