Trash Collection Delays Anger Philadelphia Residents

PHILADELPHIA — With residents plugging their noses as trash piles up along Philadelphia streets, officials Monday said collections this week will be behind by up to two days.

In a news release Monday, the city said trash and recycling materials may be picked up one to two days late as Streets Department crews deal with more curbside rubbish due to more residents staying at home.

Officials said while Streets Department crews have managed to whittle down its backlog of trash and recycling collections, crews are still dealing with more and more trash and recycling as well as staffing shortages due to the coronavirus.

City Councilman Brian O'Neill urged Mayor Jim Kenney and other city officials to bring in private refuse contractors to assist with piling up rubbish, which he called a public health crisis due to increased rodents, insects, and odors.

"I am calling on you to immediately hire outside trash collection companies to assist us in this crisis," he said in a letter.

Residents took to social media to express their frustration about their trash not being collected.

ACCT Philly even took to social media to show how trash can create issues for wildlife in the city.

The animal control group shared a photo of an opossum stuck in an iced tea bottle.

"We know trash pick up has been an issue," the ACCT said. "But please dispose of your trash and recycling properly!"

The opossum was safely pulled from the bottle, according to the group.

Philadelphia residents are asked to set their materials out at least one day later than their regular scheduled day.

As of Monday, the Streets Department will expand the operating hours of the Sanitation Convenience Centers to seven days a week. These extended hours will allow residents to bring their trash and recycling material anytime during the week.

Residents whose materials are not collected should not call 311 to report missed trash or recycling collection unless their materials have not been picked up at least four days behind regular schedule.

"The City understands the public’s concern over delayed collections and thanks residents for their patience as we work to return to a regular collection schedule during the pandemic," officials said in a news release.