Philadelphia Cracks Down on Illegal Dumping
Philadelphia is taking a tough stance against one of the city’s most plaguing environmental problems: illegal dumping. A 6abc Action News report discovered that Philadelphia spends about $48 million annually on…
Fly tipping in drainage ditch on Crayford Marshes, Bexley, South East London, UK
Philadelphia is taking a tough stance against one of the city's most plaguing environmental problems: illegal dumping.
A 6abc Action News report discovered that Philadelphia spends about $48 million annually on cleanup efforts. One doesn't have to look far to see how big of an issue it is.
It is illegal to dump garbage in public spaces or on private property. It also makes our neighborhoods less safe and healthy. Report illegal dumping whenever you see it.
"About 4,000 tires that were illegally dumped right down this hill," said Philadelphia City Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-District 9), referencing the Tacony Creek Park in the Crescentville section of Northeast Philadelphia.
According to 6abc, from April 2024 to March 2025, approximately 21,500 illegal dumping complaints were made in Philadelphia. This rate is higher than in other big cities: three times that of New York and Chicago and quadruple that of Houston.
In response, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has taken a firmer stance against illegal dumping.
District Attorney Larry Krasner (D-Philadelphia) enacted a new Cleaner and Greener Enforcement Unit in April. This unit will operate under the Economic Crimes Division of the district attorney's office.
The city will monitor individuals who ignore the signage and security cameras, and residents can report illegal dumping via a hotline.
“This initiative, which is aligned with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s vision of a greener, cleaner city, is based on the fact that Philadelphians deserve to have clean, safe neighborhoods,” said DA Krasner. “The CGEU, in collaboration with the PPD and other city stakeholders, will develop cases against perpetrators who recklessly dump often dangerous materials that make our streets unsafe for children and adults. But we can’t do this without the public’s help. If you see illegal dumping occurring, please call our hotline immediately.”
How To Report Illegal Dumping
If you see illegal dumping in the act, call 911. Do not confront anyone you see dumping trash.
You can report illegal dumping after the fact by calling 311 or using the form below. Provide as much information about the dumping as possible, including:
- The location.
- A description of the individual(s).
- The make, model, color, and license plate of any vehicles.
- The material being dumped.
You can also submit a report online here.
