Neighbors say illegal dumping of trash still a problem after DC 33 strike ended

Residents in Philadelphia are reporting incidents of illegal dumping in neighborhoods, days before trash pick-up service is set to resume normal operations post-strike.

With a tentative deal in place between the workers’ union and city of Philadelphia, trash pick-up is scheduled to resume Monday, July 14.

AFSCME District Council 33, which represents about 9,000 workers in Philadelphia, had been on strike since July 1.

The union and the city agreed to a tentative deal on July 9, which would give a 9% salary increase for the workers union over the next three years of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s term.

Many of the 63 temporary trash bins and dumpsters set up throughout the city have been mostly cleared as of Thursday, though neighbors said some people continue to dump trash illegally.

By 50 and Locust streets in West Philadelphia, a sign on the sidewalk where the dumpster advised people the strike was over and any trash left there was illegal. Still, several bags remained there Thursday.

“I just think it’s still unfair that people are still dumping when they were asked to hold their trash and people will come around and try to clean up,” neighbor Regina Franklin said. “Even though it’s not the same amount as it was before, but they’re still dumping. I just want them to hold their trash like we are and wait until next week, so they can pick up everything.”

Franklin is not alone in her frustration. Tracey Chilutti lives in Mayfair and told NBC10 that people continue to leave trash in her neighborhood.

“I can’t describe the disgust I feel with the situation,” Chilutti said. “People don’t care. They come out of their neighborhood to dump into my neighborhood but they don’t care. They just want to fight with me like I’m wrong.”

The city said this week, it would install cameras at the temporary sites and people could face a $5,000 fine for violations.

The Sanitation Department shared a statement regarding the illegal dumping:

“The Sanitation Department continues to work with enforcement authorities to address illegal dumping as a result of the work stoppage. Multiple people have been caught. We are also working with the Streets Department on the installation of cameras to capture dumpers.”

Residents like June Newell of Philadelphia said he’s not convinced cameras will stop anyone.

“They’ll never catch them,” Newell said. “They do things, and they get away with it. That’s all.”

Philadelphia has six Sanitation Convenience Centers where residents can drop off trash and recycling materials. 

These centers are located throughout the city and are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Here are the locations of the six Sanitation Convenience Centers: 

• Northeast Philadelphia: 8401 State Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19136
• Northwest Philadelphia: 320 Domino Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128
• Port Richmond: 3901 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19137
• Southwest Philadelphia: 3033 S. 63rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19153
• Strawberry Mansion: 2601 West Glenwood Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19121
• West Philadelphia: 5100 Grays Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19143

Normal curbside trash and recycling pickup is set to resume on Monday, July 14.