Summary:
- Over 49,000 pounds of trash were collected in downtown San Diego after this year's Comic-Con, almost double the amount from the previous year.
- Maintenance ambassadors worked tirelessly to remove 2,700 stickers, flyers, and posters from the downtown area, a significant increase compared to a regular weekend.
- 200 instances of graffiti were cleaned up, indicating a higher-than-usual presence of graffiti during the event.
The aftermath of Comic-Con in downtown San Diego has left a significant mess, but cleanup efforts are in full swing. With over 100,000 visitors this year, the amount of trash generated doubled compared to the previous year. The San Diego Partnership's Clean and Safe program spearheaded the cleaning operations, and their maintenance ambassadors worked tirelessly to restore the city to its usual state.
Over the weekend, downtown San Diego saw an influx of hundreds of thousands of people attending Comic-Con, which has now come to a close. However, the true work has just begun as the city faces the task of cleaning up after the event. The cleanup operation was a massive undertaking, requiring an all-hands-on-deck approach. San Diego's maintenance ambassadors were deployed to patrol the streets, pick up trash, and ensure the safety of the area.
The numbers from this year's cleanup reveal the extent of the task at hand. A staggering 49,000 pounds of trash were collected over the course of just four days. This amount is almost double what was collected the previous year when there were fewer visitors. To put it into perspective, 49,000 pounds is equivalent to the weight of two school buses or enough trash to fill 108 work trucks or 25 full trash trucks.
The cleanup efforts extended beyond just removing trash. Ambassadors also tackled the problem of stickers, flyers, and posters that littered the downtown area. In total, they removed 2,700 of these items, which marks a more than 1000% increase in this service compared to a regular weekend. Although the numbers were higher than a typical weekend, they were lower than the previous year's Comic-Con, showing improvement in waste and cleanup processes.
Graffiti was another challenge the ambassadors had to face. They cleaned up 200 instances of graffiti, which was 24% higher than what they usually handle on a regular weekend.
The cleanup efforts are not just about restoring the city's appearance but also ensuring safety and a sense of normalcy for residents and businesses. Wraps on buildings that were used for the event are being taken down, and by the end of the day, the Gaslamp District will be restored to its usual state.
Comic-Con is always a significant event for San Diego, and it attracts a massive crowd. Consequently, the cleanup operation is a vital annual task, akin to the cleanup after the 4th of July at the beaches. However, the city is grateful for all the help it receives, and the Clean and Safe partnership program plays a crucial role in making the post-Comic-Con cleanup a success.
As the cleanup nears its conclusion, the Gaslamp District is ready to resume its regular activities and appearance. The city looks forward to yet another successful Comic-Con event next year, with the assurance that the dedicated Clean and Safe program will be there to keep the city tidy and safe.