Categories: Philly

Photo Friday: Philadelphia’s Pretty Litter Critters – BigBelly Trash Compactors

After I recently returned on a 2+ week journey to Australia (more on that later…), I was walking over the Whole Foods… and couldn’t help but notice how beautiful our trashcans were in Philly.

Say whattt?

I’m not crazy. As a part of the Street Department’s UnLitter Us movement, Litter Critter BigBelly trash compactors were designed and painted by artists & students as a part of Mural Arts’ Big Picture Program in part to celebrate Earth Month.  The decorated BigBellies were painted to encourage people to use sustainable trash cans and not litter. This same campaign painted the recycle trucks last year.

These new designs lining South Street showcase creative designs inspired by “litter bugs”.  Artists Ben Woodward & Thom Lessner from the Philadelphia collective space 1026 collaborated with Big Picture (Kids aged 10-14 get mural training & visual arts education) students to design the concept and creations.

Here are some of the creations:

and a painted Mural Arts recycle truck to remind of us of a green goal:

Posted by Julie

Photos courtesy of Phila Streets Department UnLitter Us Campaign

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

New plant discovered in NJ, 56 years of Earth Day & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Researchers at Temple University have found a rare…

3 days ago

For P.O.C., environmental justice isn’t just about climate. It’s about survival.

Through EcoWURD, Tamara P.O.C. Russell is reshaping how Philly talks about climate and community Tamara…

4 days ago

Record April heat, Clean Streams Ruling stands, and more.

It's officially a heat wave outside. The Wednesday temperature of 91* broke records set in…

1 week ago

Philly’s trash is burned in Chester. Advocates say the health impacts don’t stay there

As Philadelphia considers ending incineration tied to Chester pollution, environmental justice advocates point to health…

2 weeks ago

Mural Arts Institute closure, bike rack permits, budget hearings & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  PennDOT to repair potholes in Philly region. The…

2 weeks ago

Data centers are booming in the Garden State. Are local communities ready?

New Jersey is an attractive place to build a data center. Lawmakers and residents are…

3 weeks ago