Holiday trash pickup, cycling death, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

What’s open and closed on Christmas Day (including trash pickup)? There will be no trash and recycling pickup on Thursday, December 25. Service will instead come one day later. Check out this list of other businesses and services that are impacted by the holiday. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Cyclist hit and killed on Lancaster Ave. 54-year-old June Rodriguez was taking a left turn with his bike onto North 56th Street from Lancaster Avenue when he was struck and killed by a red SUV. Rodriguez’s death marks the seventh cyclist killed in Philly in 2025 – doubling the number of deaths from 2024. Safe street advocates, Philly Bike Action, said in a statement: “Despite promises from Philadelphia leadership, cyclists are no safer than they were last year.” Philly Bike Action

Increased risk of power outages in the Philadelphia region. Regional grid operator, PJM, did not secure enough promised power to keep up with the forecasted increase in demand over the coming years. Starting in 2027, this means that the region is at risk of power outages, if the demand does grow, in part due to climate change and data centers. WHYY

New waste and recycling portal. The city launched a new Commercial Waste and Recycling Portal to help businesses adhere to local and state recycling requirements. In a statement from the Department of Sanitation, the new platform aims to “improve efficiency for businesses and support Philadelphia’s broader recycling and sustainability goals.”

Last-minute gifts that are low-waste. Trying to lessen your impact on the planet during this gift-giving season? No matter what holiday you are celebrating, there are ways to cut down on what ends up in landfills. Jasmine Joseph brings us this low-waste holiday gift guide. 

Cover photo: Monika Stawowy on Unsplash