BOSTON (CBS) - The next time you head for your favorite North End cannoli vendor, you may notice new brooms mounted throughout the neighborhood. No, the North End is not trying to compete with Salem. It's actually the residents' latest weapon against an age-old trash problem.

WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports

The head of the North End Clean Streets Committee, David Grant, came up with the novel idea. His message to tourists: "If you've got the time, and you're able to, and you're standing and waiting in line for a restaurant for some time, grab a broom. Help us out."

The program is called "Spazzarre", which is Italian for "sweep". The catchy emblem of Paul Revere holding up a broom while riding his horse has been stenciled on each broom and dustpan. So far, there are 12 of them mounted on trash compactors around the neighborhood.

In its first week, people seemed a bit confused by the new campaign. "It's for the Heat and the Celtics," said one visitor. "Isn't there some new movie called, 'Jumping the Broom?'" another woman asked. "We thought it was related to the Bruins game, the Bruins sweep," said two young women on their way to a restaurant.

Organizers have already had a hard time holding onto the brooms. So far, three have disappeared.

Grant hopes, at the very least, the sight of them will send a message. "Whatever you can do to make a difference, it's worth a try."