Community Efforts to Clean Up the Brooklyn Bridge

In early February 2026, Ellen Baum, a 37-year-old tech worker from Brooklyn Heights, initiated a grassroots effort to clean the Brooklyn Bridge, which has become increasingly littered with trash and love locks. Over eight days, Baum dedicated approximately 16 hours to clear debris from the bridge's north side, including items such as tissues, hair ties, and even condoms. Her initiative attracted local media attention and inspired other concerned New Yorkers to join her in restoring the iconic structure, which is often referred to as a "dumping ground" despite its historical significance.

The Guardian

The phenomenon of love locks, where couples attach padlocks to bridges as a symbol of their love, has a storied history that predates social media trends. A Serbian folktale from World War I describes young women placing locks on a bridge to ward off heartbreak. This practice has spread globally, with cities like London, Budapest, and San Antonio experiencing similar issues. In New York City, attaching a lock to the Brooklyn Bridge can result in a $100 fine, although enforcement has been inconsistent.

The Guardian

The New York City Department of Transportation is tasked with maintaining the bridge, including the removal of trash and locks. However, Baum and local groups like Pick Up Pigeons have stepped in to address the growing litter problem, especially during harsh winter conditions when city services may be delayed. Baum focuses on cleaning refuse rather than removing locks, as she lacks the necessary tools. She expressed her disapproval of the practice, stating, “I have a lot of love in my life, but I’ve never felt the need to make a physical marker of it on a historic landmark.”

The Guardian

Critics of the love lock trend, such as journalist Dave Colon, argue that it detracts from the bridge's historical value and aesthetics. Colon, who has publicly condemned the practice, stated, “If you really want to feel the New York of it all, you can go find the people on the bridge who will hustle you and take a picture of you.” He emphasizes that there are more meaningful ways to commemorate a visit to the bridge without leaving behind litter.

The Guardian

Despite the cleanup efforts, Baum noted that individuals continue to attach items to the bridge as she cleans. She plans to organize monthly meetups to encourage community participation in the cleanup initiative. This ongoing effort reflects a growing awareness among New Yorkers about the importance of preserving their city's landmarks while fostering a sense of community.

The Guardian

• “I can’t do anything about some of these big problems that the world and the city are facing. But I can do one modicum of something nice.” — Ellen Baum, Community Organizer

The Guardian

• “If you tie your garbage to the Brooklyn Bridge you should be thrown off the bridge” — Dave Colon, Journalist

The Guardian

This community-driven cleanup movement highlights the intersection of local activism and the preservation of New York City's historical landmarks, as residents seek to reclaim the Brooklyn Bridge from the litter that has accumulated over the years.

The Guardian