Reality Check: Philly Leaders, Act on Illegal Dumping

It’s a crisis akin to violent crime that the City and state have ignored for far too long, says WURD’s midday host, responding to a Citizen story this week about real steps being made in Houston.

By Charles D. Ellison

Ideas We Should Steal: Get the DOJ to Investigate Illegal Dumping

An ongoing federal investigation into illegal dumping in poor, majority Black neighborhoods in Houston is already cleaning things up. Could it happen in Philadelphia?

By Nick Russo

Sussing Out — and Stopping — Illegal Dumping

Philly has more illegal dumping surveillance cameras than other major cities, but far fewer arrests and convictions. Here’s what we know about illegal dumpers — and a system that rarely stops them.

By Nick Russo

How Philly Fights Illegal Dumping

Why the dumpers are winning, and how the City can beat them

By Nick Russo

Mystery Shopper: Reporting Illegal Dumping in Philadelphia

Our mystery shopper tried to get just one of the dozens of ugly trash heaps cleared away from their North Philly neighborhood. Here's how well—or not—it went.

Mystery Shopper: How hard is it to get rid of illegal dumpsters?

Residents of one South Philly block tried for months to get the City to take action against businesses piling garbage on their street. Why is it so hard to get anyone to listen?

Ideas We Should Steal: Clean Up Trash With Pro Sports Teams

The Memphis Grizzlies loaned its NBA star power to get citizens competing to pick up litter. Could a Philly “Litter League” help clean up our streets, too?

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Business for Good: Trashmitter

A former Philadelphia firefighter has created an app that’s Uber for trash disposal to help landlords and small businesses keep the city clean. Now he’s ready to grow it big

By Nick Russo