Olean City Council President Vernon Robinson Jr. is calling out what he sees as a discouraging lack of respect for public spaces after new trash cans placed along a local trail were quickly filled with household garbage.
In a Facebook post this weekend, Robinson shared photos showing the metal cans — meant for light use like pet waste — heaping with bags of trash.
“As a council member, we try to do our best with obtaining those little things in our community that will help make a difference,” Robinson wrote. “Some tasks take longer, but others seem so simple and then we say, ‘why not’?”
He explained that the cans were installed after a constituent request, even though he warned that misuse could become a problem.
“A week later, the city put cans out and this is the reward,” he said.
Robinson’s frustration was clear as he questioned how the city can keep improving if residents don’t take care of what’s already been provided.
“At what point do we start to police our own communities? At what point do we say, enough is enough? How can the city continue to improve the quality of life if it continues to be abused?”
He closed by saying, “Yes, it’s just garbage, but no city employee should have to dispose of your garbage.”
The post has struck a nerve — drawing dozens of reactions from residents who echoed Robinson’s disappointment and shared their own takes on what’s behind the problem.
“Sadly, we seem to be in the ‘it’s all about me’ era where caring about your fellow citizens is passé,” wrote Pam Wright Groth.
Corey Wiktor added, “People just seemingly lost manners. They do not care and they have no respect. I think it boils down to that, and it’s really sad.”
Others pointed to deeper community issues.
One commenter suggested the trash may be coming from people living in the nearby woods, urging the city to “address the homeless issues that have taken hold in our community” and even consider adding a portable restroom in the area.
Another commenter, Steven Michael, drew comparisons to stores that have had to remove garbage cans because of illegal dumping.
“When I worked at Tops years ago, we did but had to remove them because people were dumping everything from paint, rotors, and household garbage into them,” he wrote.
Some residents called for stricter enforcement. “Illegal dumping. Fine them. We do,” wrote Jim Rickey.
Despite the frustration, many agreed that Robinson’s efforts to improve the community are appreciated and that lasting solutions will require both civic responsibility and a renewed sense of local pride.
