North Philly to Implement Twice-Weekly Trash Pickup Service
The Philadelphia city administration is set to enhance waste management in North Philadelphia by introducing twice-weekly trash pickups starting January 5, 2024. This initiative aims to improve the cleanliness and overall environmental quality of the region, following a successful rollout in Center City and South Philadelphia.
Under a comprehensive .9 million initiative announced by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker last year, the city aimed to revitalize its waste management system through increased collection frequency. After securing an additional million investment for new trash trucks, the program is now poised to expand into North Philadelphia. According to Carlton Williams, the director of the city’s Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, initial phases of this program led to a notable reduction of 15 to 20 percent in illegal dumping activities and a visible decrease in litter in the previously targeted areas.
The boundaries for the new trash pickup services in North Philadelphia will extend from Vine Street to Hunting Park Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, encompassing areas between Broad Street and the Schuylkill River as well as the Delaware River. Residents can expect their second pick-up on the third day following their regular trash collection day. For instance, households with Monday pick-up will see the second collection on Thursday, while those with Tuesday pick-up will see it on Friday, and so forth. It is important to note that recycling will continue to take place only on the designated original collection day, and no second collections will occur during city holidays.
While the initiative has shown promise, there were instances of inconsistency reported by residents during the initial adoption phase in other parts of the city. Williams anticipates similar challenges in North Philadelphia but is optimistic about the city’s ability to respond promptly. Should any pickups be overlooked, he assures residents that the city will address these issues within a 24-hour timeframe, urging them to contact 311 for assistance.
To further optimize waste management and minimize street clutter, the city has implemented regulations requiring trash and recycling to be placed curbside after 5 p.m. in winter months and after 7 p.m. during the spring and summer.
Despite the optimism surrounding the new North Philadelphia initiative, the timeline for expanding similar services to other parts of the city remains uncertain. City officials have indicated that while expansion to West Philadelphia is a consideration, some areas may not warrant the additional service due to unique spatial constraints, including private driveways that lessen the need for frequent pickups. The city plans to assess and evaluate potential areas for future expansion meticulously.
This initiative represents a significant step toward promoting urban cleanliness and addressing the waste management challenges faced by Philadelphia residents.
