Philadelphia Prepares To Launch Illegal Dumping Task Force

Illegal dumping is a significant problem in Philadelphia, costing taxpayers approximately $2 million every year.

Posted Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 9:43 am ET

August 29, 2025

Illegal dumping is a significant problem in Philadelphia, costing taxpayers approximately $2 million every year. The sanitation workers' strike last month only exacerbated the issue. Now, the city is ramping up enforcement efforts and going after offenders more aggressively.

Piles of trash and debris are common in some Philadelphia neighborhoods. Theresa Farrell lives in Port Richmond and said some neighbors have given up hope that the city will stop the illegal dumping.

"I can call today, and then next thing you know, it's back again the same way," Farrell said.

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