As a lifetime resident of Salt Lake Valley, I was surprised while strolling thru downtown Salt Lake City, to find that the usual waste receptacles, or garbage cans, had either been removed or covered.

I thought it was strange, and still wonder what the idea is, of covering up a garbage can holder with a sheet of plywood, locked down so no one can throw their trash away.

Is this how Salt Lake City welcomes the World? By giving the message that they want you to stuff your empty coffee cup into your pocket, or throw it down on the sidewalk?

I am really sad that the officials of the Salt Lake City Corporation opted for this method of not dealing with the needs of large crowds of people. Look at the picture, it was taken at the light rail station that functions as the main hub for people using light rail to get uptown during the olympics. Notice the garbage sitting on top of the sheet of plywood, and take my word for it, there was and is litter all over the streets and sidewalks of Salt Lake City Utah during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Its really sad....