Community activists rallied outside the chief of sanitation's office Monday, saying trash has become a major problem in local neighborhoods.

"It's very basic that you should have clean streets, but we don't," said Bed-Stuy resident Sabrina Perry. "So somebody has to come out and speak and let somebody know that we need to be heard about getting the streets clean."

The activists, particularly those from east Brooklyn congregations, say trash has become a major problem in neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy and East New York. They say they tried twice in the past few weeks to meet with Chief of Sanitation Jarrit Scotti to discuss a solution, but say they weren't allowed to see him.

"It gives a bad impression on not only the community and the people who live there, but also on those persons who are responsible for cleaning up the mess," said Pastor Edward Jenkins.

News 12 has learned that during the rally, a representative for the Sanitation Department did acknowledge the activists and assisted with the scheduling of a meeting that is tentatively planned for May 25 in Crown Heights.