In any urban setting, litter is at best a nuisance, and at worst a health hazard that attracts rats and other pests.

Los Angeles has been struggling with litter taking over its streets for some time. City officials say they are swamped by complaints from citizens about the trash.

A complain line was set up; citizens could call 311 or use a 311 mobile app to request that city crews come and take care of the problem.

According to a recent city council meeting, that app now receives 200 requests a day for help with dumping and out-of-control litter build up, Los Angeles' CBS 2 reports.

Now, city council members Joe Buscaino, Bob Blumenfield and Nury Martinez have introduced a motion for a radical solution they think will benefit LA citizens from all walks of life.

The councilpeople's plan calls for the city to hire homeless people to clean up the litter taking over the city's streets.

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this year that LA County's homeless population is about 57,794 people. The city is home to the largest homeless population in the United States.

Monic Bell, homeless citizen of LA; Photo: Francine Orr/LA Times

The councilpeople's motion states that the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Sanitation currently responds to trash-related requests by deploying teams of “highly trained, city employees whose skills are often needed for more complex projects.” This, they say is both untenable and a waste of taxpayer money.

Instead, under the new plan, homeless citizens would be hired through a city program that outsources litter collection "to social justice organizations."

City officials plan to use a current graffiti removal program that outsources graff removal to transitional workers hired by contracting firms as a model for the litter program.

Ricky Riller, homless citizen of LA; Photo: Genaro Molina/LA Times

The motion found widespread support among the council; in order for the program to move forward, it must now be approved by LA's Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee.

help the homeless

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week