National Mall sees trash piles after post-peak bloom crowds overwhelm cleanup efforts

WASHINGTON (7News) — When you visit the Tidal Basin after peak bloom, you'd expect to see piles of petals, not trash.

But this is what crews are cleaning up around the National Mall on Monday after crowds of people packed the District over the weekend.

"It’s definitely an eyesore," Colleen Patton said. She was trying to escape the storm that rolled through when she discovered a different problem. "I saw some trash on the ground and wasn’t going to leave it there, so I picked it up and took it over to the trash cans."

Audrey Schaefer several photos to 7News showing pile up after pile up:

"It was really gross... It looked embarrassing, really," Schaefer said. "When you think of all these people who travel from all over the world and all over the US to come and see the nation's capital, and we can’t clean up the trash? I’m sure any anybody who was working yesterday was earning their keep because there was so much to do, but they needed more people to go by more frequently."

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The National Park Service is primarily responsible for maintenance and trash collection on the National Mall.

A spokesman provided the following statement:

The National Park Service is committed to maintaining the beauty and integrity of National Mall and Memorial Parks, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when the busiest weekend of the year brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy the iconic blooms. Increased crowds bring a significant rise in the amount of trash generated throughout the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, and surrounding park areas. Compounding this challenge, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic during peak bloom has made it difficult for trash collection trucks to make their regular rounds. Despite these obstacles, National Park Service staff are working diligently this morning to remove litter, empty overflowing trash and recycling bins, and keep these cherished public spaces clean for all to enjoy.

The NPS also posted this photo, showing staff working to clear the piles:

"What is your hope for next year?" reporter Lianna Golden asked Schaefer.

"I’m hoping by next weekend in D.C. they’ll get it together for this," she replied.

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