PHILADELPHIA, PA - As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, thousands of Philadelphia's municipal workers from AFSCME District Council 33 are on strike, resulting in the most immediate impact for residents across the city: the suspension of all curbside trash and recycling pickup. To manage the situation, the City of Philadelphia has announced contingency plans, including designated drop-off locations for residents. This guide provides the essential information on where you can take your household waste during the work stoppage.
Official Trash & Recycling Drop-Off Locations
The Philadelphia Streets Department has opened its six Sanitation Convenience Centers with extended hours for residents to bring their household trash and recycling. These are the primary designated sites for the public during the strike.
The locations are:
- Northeast Philadelphia: State Road & Ashburner Street
- Northwest Philadelphia: 300 block of Domino Lane (near Umbria Street)
- Strawberry Mansion: 2601 W. Glenwood Avenue
- West Philadelphia: 3033 S. 63rd Street
- South Philadelphia: 400 South Street (at Columbus Boulevard)
- Port Richmond: 3901 N. Delaware Avenue
Extended Hours During Strike:
These centers will operate with extended hours, typically 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to accommodate residents. Please check the official City of Philadelphia website for any daily changes to this schedule.
Important Rules & Guidelines for Drop-Off:
To ensure a smooth and safe process, the city has issued several important rules for using the convenience centers:
- Proof of Residency Required: You must present a valid ID with a Philadelphia address to use the facilities.
- Separate Your Materials: Please keep trash (regular household waste) and recycling separate before arrival.
- Residential Waste Only: These sites are for city residents only. No commercial or contractor waste will be accepted.
- What's Accepted: Normal household trash and recycling (paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, cans).
- What's NOT Accepted: Do not bring construction debris, hazardous Waste, tires, or electronics to these centers. The city has separate procedures for disposing of these items.
- Be Prepared for Lines: These locations will be bustling. Please expect significant wait times and be patient with city staff and fellow residents.
What About Curbside Pickup?
All regular, curbside trash and recycling collections are suspended indefinitely until the strike is resolved. The City of Philadelphia strongly urges residents not to leave trash bags on the curb, as this will attract pests and create unsanitary conditions. Please hold your trash or take it directly to one of the convenience centers listed above.
The sanitation strike presents a significant challenge for all Philadelphia residents. By utilizing the designated Sanitation Convenience Centers and following the city's guidelines, you can help manage Waste responsibly during this period. For the most up-to-the-minute information on the strike, service updates, and contingency plans, please monitor the official City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Streets Department websites and social media channels.
Sources:
- City of Philadelphia - Office of the Mayor
- Philadelphia Streets Department Official Website and Social Media
- Local Philadelphia News Outlets (e.g., The Philadelphia Inquirer, WHYY, 6abc)
- AFSCME District Council 33 (for union updates)
