Categories: Philly

BigBelly Cans are Spreading South of South

70% of South of South residents (surveyed) are having their wishes answered: More BigBelly solar waste units are coming to South Philly.

The South Philly Review reported residents from the area stretching from South Street to Washington Avenue and west of Broad Street were surveyed and requested more trash and recycling receptacles.  The first 3 have been installed at 19th & Christian, 23rd & Christian, and 18th & Catharine. Individuals plus a grant from an anonymous donor funded the cans, set up 2 months ago.

Each double unit retails from $5-7K, but in bulk were purchased at $4500 from the city.  To ensure the trashcans improve the streets, the South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA) have  teamed up with Keep Philadelphia Beautiful to establish an anti-litter campaign, complete with the 4 “E’s”:

  • Integrating Enhancements
  • Empowering residents to take ownership of their block
  • Educating youth and adults alike
  • Enforcing said policies

It seems like it’s starting to work…  With just 3 in the area, residents have started to see a difference –  Peg Talbot-Lane, an association board member, said “They are working.  I have a little tree garden out front and it would just be packed with trash and I’m not seeing that right now”

Philly loves the BigBellies – Recently a bunch on South Street were painted. The SOSNA wants to get everyone in Philly is in 2-3 blocks of a BigBelly.  I agree!

Props, South of South.

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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