READER REPORT: Don’t trash the beach!

| Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

The photo, report, and request are from Victoria:

This is what I picked up on a single walk in Lincoln Park (last night).

This is the second time in the last week that I’ve gone for a walk in Lincoln Park and, instead of staying on the main path, walked closer to the shoreline. Both times I ended up collecting this much garbage.

I’m hoping it’s mostly being left by visitors to our beautiful Lincoln Park. If it’s from West Seattle residents… shame on you.

I’d like to encourage everyone to keep an eye out and pick up any litter they see before it makes its way into Puget Sound. Every little bit helps. And the best part: there multiple garbage cans in Lincoln Park. It’s that simple!

Next time you’re out for a walk, bring a glove or bag and pick up a few pieces of litter. If enough of us do it, we can make a big impact. And keep our waters clean!

lucy July 29, 2026 (9:40 am)

Well done, Victoria. I frequently pick up garbage along Alki as well. And when I see kids on the beach picking up trash, I always make it a point to thank them. Keep our parks clean!

Kathy July 29, 2026 (9:42 am)

Thanks, Victoria! I suspect a certain amount also comes off of boats whether intentional or accidental. You are right, it takes a village to tackle this problem.

CarDriver July 29, 2026 (10:29 am)

Common sight along Alki Ave morning after a nice afternoon and evening. People seem afraid when they see a full garbage can so they drop their trash and run not knowing they could(and should) take it with them and put in their own trash can.

Jas July 29, 2026 (11:08 am)

I started walking with gloves and a trash bag along Alki almost every morning and pick up an entire bag. Every single time. Thank you for doing what you do!

Joe July 29, 2026 (11:17 am)

We were walking thru Lincoln with our 6 year old. We noticed an older gentleman in the large grass opening with his dog. As we got closer the dog started to do its thing in the middle of the grassy area. We tried to change direction but our kiddo saw what the dog was doing and let out a loud EEEWWWW!! The older guy flipped us off and started running away with the dog. He ran across the street and headed off in the direction of the homes. We have not seen this guy again but we always see people with dogs and no bags.

Elton July 30, 2026 (1:57 pm)

People like this completely befuddle me. You agreed to take the burden of caring for an animal and you can’t be bothered to clean up after it? Bags cost pennies and it takes 20 seconds of your life to pick it up. I could understand running out of bags if your dog goes multiple times on a walk unexpectedly, but having 0 bags makes no sense.
- WestMarge July 31, 2026 (6:05 pm)
  
  As a former dog walker, completely! And little of parks offer free bags in little kiosks that we’ve all paid for with our taxes! Good gravy. I hope that guy is cursed with stepping in poo in his Jordan’s, everyday

Thomas July 29, 2026 (11:32 am)

Some people are just slobs!

AJ July 29, 2026 (1:50 pm)

Welcome to the beginning of America becoming a third world country.

WSB July 29, 2026 (1:52 pm)

Litter, sadly, has been a problem since I was a kid. And that is a VERY long time ago.
- WSDUDEMAN July 30, 2026 (2:41 pm)
  
  Of course people have always littered. Doesn’t mean it hasn’t gotten worse. I’ve been here 25 years and it has gotten exponentially worse. The beaches, the mountain parking lots, along the highways and freeways, etc. Don’t get me started about the sites from the RVs and encampments. I saw a car thrown 2 Jack In The Box bags on the sidewalk the other week on Alki. There were parked on the beachside of the road. They almost tried to fight me because I said, “Excuse me, it looks like you dropped your trash here.” I was attempting to hand it back to them as they were pulling out.

Keenan July 29, 2026 (3:28 pm)

Can’t the city hire 6 guys whose full time job would be to walk around weat seattle and pick up trash off the streets? Can we trade like 3 cops for that?

Elton July 30, 2026 (1:59 pm)

It’s bizarre that grown adults think it is OK to just throw garbage onto the ground and then use tax dollars so that other people can clean up after them.
- Keenan July 30, 2026 (5:00 pm)
  
  Did I say that? Your personal responsibility shaming won’t work on many of the sketchy characters we have roaming the streets. I want my tax dollars used to keep this city clean. Cities get dirty.
CarDriver July 30, 2026 (3:55 pm)

Keenan. How much trash do you pick up on a daily basis?