Isn’t this just a perfect example of tragedy of the commons, and public property? This could be a quick explanation as to why suburbs are cleaner places than cities. Its not just that people live closer together, or people are poorer bla bla bla. Its that public parks, public streets, parking lots, public sewers, government buildings have no private owner, and can be exploited by the commons
In theory the tragedy of the commons applies only to areas that are unowned - outside of anyone’s control. Public streets are in the control of politicians so there is some form of ownership, only irresponsible ownership.
I thinking local zoning laws would outlaw a steel mill in the suburbs, therefore, preventing much pollution.
Residents of a neighborhood will often get together a couple times a year to clean the streets up, but it’s not enough. The city allows the streets to become covered in trash. It’s a relatively small price to pay though.