Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?
99% Invisible

Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?

Mar 31, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

<p>Why did it take nearly a decade to redesign a city trash can, and why haven't more bins made the streets cleaner?</p> <p>What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo with your question and emailing it to <a href="mailto:servicerequest@99pi.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">servicerequest@99pi.org</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://99percentinvisible.org/sr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Service Request</a> is a production of <a href="https://99percentinvisible.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">99% Invisible</a> and <a href="https://www.campsidemedia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Campside Media</a>.</p> <p><p>Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. <br><br>Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting <a href="http://siriusxm.com/podcastsplus." target="_blank">siriusxm.com/podcastsplus</a>. </p></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>