Bozeman Funds Illegal Camper Garbage Cans, Neglects Street Plowing
BOZEMAN, MT - Taking a bold step forward in waste management but a cold shoulder to winter drivers, Bozeman city officials announced they had spent more on garbage cans for illegal camping sites than on snowplowing the city’s increasingly treacherous streets.
The new “Eco-Comfort Waste Receptacles” for transient campers, which cost $2,500 each and feature solar-powered compaction technology, are reportedly being installed at undisclosed locations around the area. Meanwhile, drivers throughout Bozeman continue to play a daily game of “swerve or skid” as streets remain blanketed in snow and ice.
“We’re proud to prioritize sustainability,” said city spokesperson Barbara Shovelton. “Our new camping garbage cans ensure that even those living off the grid can contribute to a cleaner Bozeman. Besides, driving on packed snow builds character.”
“Our new camping garbage cans ensure that even those living off the grid can contribute to a cleaner Bozeman. Besides, driving on packed snow builds character.”
Critics have pointed out that the city’s snowplowing budget for the winter totaled a mere $40,000—roughly the cost of 16 of the 200 high-tech bins purchased.
“I’ve been stuck in my driveway for three days,” said frustrated resident Carl Plower, who commutes daily on Bozeman’s unplowed streets. “But I guess it’s good to know that people camping illegally have somewhere nice to throw their trash while I’m sliding sideways into parked cars.”
City officials defended their spending priorities, with several members stating, “Bozeman’s charm is all about embracing the outdoors. What’s more outdoorsy than an unplowed road?”
Plans to install heated trash cans for “ethical raccoon deterrence” are reportedly underway.
