Campus trash has been an ongoing problem, according to Bakersfield College janitors. Think of all the pieces of trash littered around campus; it deteriorates the school’s image, BC janitors say.
“I litter because no one ever gets caught. It’s like those signs on the side of the road that say $1,000 dollar fine for littering. I’ve never heard of anyone getting fined,” said a student who declined to give a name.”Security needs to step up, and fine those who litter. Junior high and high school are over with. It’s time to be adults,” said custodian James Hendrix.
Five students were asked why they littered. Two said they littered because they don’t care.
The remaining three said it was because they are too lazy. “I’m too lazy to get up, but I try to make it to the trashcan,” said another student who declined to give a name. Raquel Dominguez, an administrative assistance major, said, “I’ve noticed a lot of trash on campus; it seems like the students don’t care about BC’s appearance.”
The cafeteria and the Campus Center are often covered in trash. “The other day I noticed two members of the [Student Government Association] sweeping trash off the table into trashcans because the tables were so littered,” said Patty Golembefskie, liberal studies major.
The problem with trash isn’t just isolated to one area of campus.
Trash can be found in the parking lots, around the quad, and every other area on campus, BC janitors said. Some areas aren’t as bad as others, they admit.
“I’ve seen people littering on campus everyday. Some places are pretty bad; it could be better,” said Daniel Newman, a business major. The trash littered on BC doesn’t just affect the campus appearance. It means janitors will have to work that much harder, he said. “We all need to work together to maintain the problem with trash on campus. This is 156 acres of beautiful property. Trash is affecting that,” said Tim Carroll, BC grounds and custodial director.