A Review of the 1986 DC 33 Strike and Trash Disposal Sites
On the same day thirty-nine years ago, Philadelphia’s largest municipal workers’ union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33, initiated its last significant strike, which lasted for twenty days and led to the accumulation of an alarming 45,000 tons of refuse. During that tumultuous period in July 1986, a column penned by an anonymous writer, who adopted the whimsical moniker of the Marquis of Debris, provided a humorous yet poignant commentary on the state of the city’s cleanliness.
The Marquis, who infused an 18th-century aristocratic flair into his writings, used his platform to address the ongoing crisis of garbage accumulation in Philadelphia. His columns, which often included a mix of satire and societal critique, aimed to hold accountable those who were less conscientious about maintaining their neighborhoods. Through his unique approach, the Marquis became a voice of the times, articulating the public’s frustration as dump sites filled and the city grappled with the fallout of the workers’ walkout.
In one memorable column dated July 14, 1986, the Marquis whimsically rated various makeshift trash disposal sites throughout the city based on their appeal to rats, a facet of urban wildlife that thrived amidst the refuse. His rankings, which spanned from one to four vermin, humorously highlighted which locations would be most enticing to the rodent population. Ultimately, a site on 30th Street and Gray’s Ferry Avenue earned the coveted four-rat rating, characterized as a veritable “restaurant” for its overwhelming abundance of discarded materials. In contrast, a disposal center known for its cleanliness was disparaged, being referred to as “hardly worth a visit” to potential rodent diners.
Presently, as AFSCME District Council 33 embarks on its first major strike in approximately four decades, Philadelphia is once again taking steps to manage its waste. The city has established over sixty designated drop-off sites where residents can dispose of their trash, a necessity given the current circumstances. Officials urge that each household bring no more than eight bags on designated trash days to prevent overcrowding at these sites, a logistical effort spearheaded by Carlton Williams, director of the Philadelphia Office of Clean and Green.
As history seems to repeat itself, the operational challenges of waste management remain at the forefront of municipal concerns. While the city’s residents are encouraged to adapt to the evolving situation, the legacy of the Marquis of Debris serves as a humorous reminder of the ongoing struggle against litter and the importance of community responsibility, leaving many to ponder what the Marquis would say in today’s context. Media News Source.
