News

Ya Fav Trashman hosted a MLK cleanup. 2 days later, there was trash again.

Terrill Haigler gathered 100 people for a cleanup. Now, he’s asking city officials to do their part.

Terrill Haigler (aka Ya Fav Trashman) organized a cleanup in North Philadelphia on Monday for the MLK Day of Service. With over 100 volunteers, 3rd and Somerville was transformed from a trash-filled street into a spotless block. Haigler said that over 10 tons of trash were picked up in under two hours.

Less than 48 hours later, a truck illegally dumped materials on the same block.

As Haigler said, it was heartbreaking for his efforts and the North Philadelphia community that deserves to live on a clean block.

“We as the community are tired of this broken cycle. We need our elected officials to step up and make things happen. We need them to be like ‘Nike” and ‘Just Do It,” said Haigler.

There are many programs (and lack thereof) in the city that address littering and illegal dumping. One solution is adding cameras to catch the offenders and hold them accountable.

Haigler started an online petition to add cameras and increase fines for illegal dumping.

Broke in Philly is a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. Green Philly is one of more than 20 news organizations in the collective. Follow us on Twitter @BrokeInPhilly.

Broke in Philly is a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. Green Philly is one of more than 20 news organizations in the collective. Follow us on Twitter @BrokeInPhilly.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Ride of Silence, Brownfields Cleanup, Solar in Schools, & More

Catch up on this week's sustainability news: New public orchard and gateway garden at Penn…

2 days ago

Sustainability with substance: How local green entrepreneurs strive for success

Consumers want authentic sustainability from suppliers. Without flashy funding or shortcuts, here's how these local…

3 days ago

Eco-Explainer: SEPTA is in a Funding Crisis. What’s the deadline to save it?

The transit agency may look drastically different if Harrisburg doesn’t act. Here are the key…

5 days ago

Primary Elections, Bike to Work Day, and TWO New Arboretums

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Pennsylvania’s primary election is this upcoming Tuesday, May…

1 week ago

Is Mayor Parker keeping her promise to “Clean & Green” Philly? Here are key takeaways from local residents.

Philadelphians from eight community focus groups love trash pickup & more trees, but want more…

2 weeks ago

Four Ways Philly can grow its tree canopy

The City’s ambitious Tree Plan will need an all-out effort to accomplish. Here are some…

2 weeks ago