Dear Philadelphia:

This summer, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful is joining forces with recently merged PA CleanWays-Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to combat illegal dumping in Philadelphia. Our first step will be to conduct a survey of Philadelphia’s illegal dumpsites. Our goal with this project is to identify and map all of the illegal dumpsites within the city. The data we gather will be summarized in a final report, which will be included in a first of its kind statewide report. PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has surveyed 37 counties in the Commonwealth identifying over 4,100 dumpsites containing and estimated 14,500 tons of trash. To view the final reports of the surveyed counties visit the PACleanways – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website at www.pacleanways.org.

Because it is necessary to complete this project by the end of September, we really need the help of each neighborhood. Please participate in the survey by supplying us with information about the location of known dumpsites within your community.

What should be reported - Definition of a Dumpsite:
The following are considered illegal dumpsites and will be included in the survey:
Areas of concentrated trash,
Areas of scattered trash that:
are not considered roadside litter (bottles, fast food wrappers, cans, etc.)
appear to have new trash thrown on them occasionally (more than twice a year)
appear to have new trash thrown on them occasionally, but cleanup maintenance is prevalent to prevent accumulation,
Areas containing only piles of yard waste (grass, leaves, branches, trees, etc.). These sites can often attract the dumping of other materials and can grow into major dumpsites, and,
Areas containing isolated or solitary items, such as 1 or 2 appliances or tires that may or may not be dumped on in the future.

Please send illegal dump location information via email to info@keepphiladelphiabeautiful.org or call (215) 477-0235. We will be taking information on reported sites until July 10, 2010. Please include the address including zip code and cross streets and general section of the City when you submit a site.
Ex: In West Philadelphia there is a illegal dump site at 6421 E. Lancaster Avenue 19172, cross streets are Lancaster & Fancy Drive.

Keep Philadelphia Beautiful is Philadelphia’s local Keep America Beautiful affiliate focusing on litter, waste reduction, and beautification, ( www.KeepPhiladelphiaBeautiful.org). PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is a nonprofit organization that empowers people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering. PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is not an enforcement agency. This process will help us begin to develop a case for tougher enforcement, cleanup and abatement strategies, and public education programs.

Sincerely,


Phoebe Coles Shannon Reiter
Executive Director Executive Director
Keep Philadelphia Beautiful PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful