PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives today announced the formation of the One Philly, A United City Illegal Dumping Task Force, a specialized unit dedicated to eliminating illegal dumping across the city. This strategic initiative is a key component of Mayor Parker’s vision for a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia, targeting one of the most persistent quality-of-life issues affecting residents.
The newly formed task force will launch on November 3, 2025, and operate with a multi-pronged approach, combining proactive surveillance, rapid response cleanup, and stringent enforcement to deter offenders. The unit will leverage data analysis and resident reporting to identify and monitor illegal dumping hotspots. Its mission is to investigate and enforce illegal dumping incidents using the City’s Notice of Violation (NOV) process, implement preventative measures that disrupt the cycle of illegal dumping, and hold violators accountable.
“Our administration is steadfast in its commitment to delivering a higher quality of life for every Philadelphian,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The Illegal Dumping Task Force embodies our city’s determination to make all neighborhoods cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming. By tackling illegal dumping head-on, we are investing in the well-being of our communities and building a city where every resident can take pride in their neighborhood.”
The establishment of the Illegal Dumping Task force is a collaborative effort demonstrating Mayor Parker’s One Philly, A United City initiative. The Office of Clean and Green Initiatives worked with City Council and the Law Department to expand legislation to hold illegal dumping perpetrators accountable. City Council’s support to amend the Code section on Refuse and Littering assisted in broadening the definition of short dumping to cover more violation offenses and to revise penalties and remedies related to such offenses. This allows the City to seek higher civil penalties including increased fines and the cost of cleanups. The legislation permits the City to:
- Broaden the definition of illegal short dumping to cover more possible activities.
- Hold dumpers responsible for clean-up costs;
- Make the person hiring someone who dumps liable;
- Make the fines for illegal dumping increase with the number of items.
- $2,000 per item per instance if dumped without a vehicle
- $5,000 per item per instance if dumped with a vehicle
“The creation of the Illegal Dumping Task Force is a clear statement that we will not tolerate the defacement of our neighborhoods,” said Carlton Williams, Director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. “Our goal is to move beyond reactive cleanups to utilizing strategic and coordinated efforts to hold dumpers accountable and establish a proactive system that prevents dumping before it happens. This is about restoring pride in our communities and ensuring every resident can enjoy a clean and safe environment. The Office of Clean and Green is committed to using every tool at our disposal to achieve this vision.”
The Sanitation Department’s SWEEP Officers and Park and Recreation’s Park Rangers received NOV training from Licenses and Inspections in partnership with the Law Department, Philadelphia Police Department, and Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP). The Streets Department installs surveillance cameras that aid in the capturing and prosecuting of offenders. Recent legislation authorizes the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) to impound vehicles caught in the act of illegal dumping.
Criminal prosecution has long been a tool of the city in fighting illegal dumping, but with a high burden of proof and resources stretched in many areas. The NOV process places the burden of proof on the dumpers and allows for stiffer penalties. When fines assessed for illegal dumping are not paid through the issuance of a NOV, Task Force members will send cases directly to the Law Department for further investigation and case preparation for civil prosecution.
This effort represents a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to environmental justice and neighborhood revitalization. The task force will work in close collaboration with quasi-governmental agencies, community groups, and local stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and impactful response. The anticipated outcome is a measurable reduction in illegal dumping, leading to healthier, more vibrant communities for all Philadelphians.
The Illegal Dumping Task Force members include a robust network of intergovernmental partners, including the Office of Clean and Green, City of Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections, Philadelphia Law Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Parking Authority, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Department of Sanitation, Department of Streets, Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), and the District Attorney’s Office.