by Nic Esposito, Zero Waste and Litter Director

Are you tired of cleaning up litter in your neighborhood? Do you want to help all Philadelphians waste less? So does the City of Philadelphia!

That’s why the Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet released its Action Plan today, which sets Philadelphia on the path to a zero waste and litter-free future by 2035. The Zero Waste & Litter Action Plan is filled with strategies to keep our city clean and green.

Hundreds of plastic packages and cups are piled along a curb after having been swept up.
During large scale events like the Broad Street Run, the City’s Waste Watchers volunteers help with managing litter.

What makes this plan different?  It’s the coordination and collaboration of City departments, businesses, and community groups, all working to clean up litter and reduce waste.

But even more than that, it’s the support of people like you that will make the biggest difference!

Do you want to see your neighborhood cleaner? Do you want to find ways to help reduce the waste created in our city? Visit cleanphl.org to get involved!

Here are some of the ways you can get started right now:

  • Find community and city resources available on your block. When you get to cleanphl.org, enter your address in the search bar and you’ll see an information box that lists all of the community and City resources available on your block. These resources will help you clean up your block and make sure it stays that way.
  • Host a clean up. Check out cleanphl.org to learn how to host a clean up as well as get litter related informational materials and City resources you can use to fight litter.
  • Spread the word. On cleanphl.org you will find spotlight stories that highlight great examples of community members and programs that are fighting the good fight against litter.
  • Install a garbage disposal or learn how to set up your own backyard composting system.
  • Volunteer at a Zero Waste event.
  • Read the Zero Waste and Litter Action Plan. And, share it with your neighbors!
  • Test your recycling knowledge. Take this quiz to test your recycling expertise (Hint: You can’t recycle greasy pizza boxes or plastic bags).
  • Check out Greenworks’ “On the Ground” for other tips on how you can waste less as an individual and as a community.

In the next few months, the City will roll out a new version of the Recycling Rewards Program. Residents will get rewards for Zero Waste actions in the homes, in the community and at city events. Be sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay updated on announcements.

A Zero Waste and litter-free city starts with one person, one community, one business, and one city coming together to create a clean and green city now and for future generations.

Thank you for joining us in this important work!

The most important thing you can do is share how you’re reducing waste with your friends and neighbors. Use the hashtag #CleanPHL and, if you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook!