PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Illegal dumpers could get their names publicly posted or lose their license to do business in Philadelphia. Those were some of the recommendations at a city council hearing last week.
Clean and Green Chief Carlton Williams made it clear: The city’s already done a lot to deter illegal dumping. It’s put up 300 cameras around dump sites, imposed fines, litigated 50 cases, won $3 million in judgements, restored bulk item collections, piloted twice-a-week collections and secured thousands of lots.
“Data from our 311 system show illegal dumping complaints have dropped nearly 20% citywide compared to this time last year,” Williams said. “Notably, the complaints in South Philadelphia and Center City, where twice a week collections were introduced in December, have dropped by 30%.”
But all of that is little comfort for Sandra Calhoun who’s documented the illegal dumping in her Parkside community.
“I have developed Environmental Distress — EDD — and I need to get healed,” Calhoun said.
The group Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful had detailed research on what drives illegal dumping and suggested outreach, education and alternatives, such as low-cost dumps for small haulers, to prevent it. Council members had ideas too, such as distributing higher quality trash bags and revoking licenses for businesses caught short-dumping. Anthony Philips proposed shaming them as well.
“Maybe we start publicizing who are the dumpers in the city and really putting a scarlet letter on them,” he said. “…I don’t mind posting them on our social media pages to let folks know, don’t do business with these individuals.”
The idea drew applause and multiple endorsements. District Attorney candidate Pat Dugan even included the strategy in his plan to crack down on illegal dumping.