New York City has reportedly paid McKinsey & Company $4 million to conduct a study on whether trash bags should be placed in trash cans. The study, which has drawn significant public criticism, aimed to determine the effectiveness of using trash cans instead of piling trash bags on the sidewalks. Critics argue that the conclusion of the study was obvious and did not warrant the high expenditure. Notably, $1.6 million was spent to advise against piling trash on sidewalks. The study, which took two months to complete, has sparked a broader conversation about the use of public funds and the value provided by consulting firms.