Deal reached to end DC33 strike in Philadelphia; trash collection resumes Monday

As the weeklong blue-collar union workers' strike continues in Philadelphia, trash disposal continues to be one of the biggest challenges.

In some parts of the city, gigantic piles of garbage are forming, and all that garbage can cause some serious health concerns.

As the weeklong blue-collar union workers' strike continues in Philadelphia, trash disposal continues to be one of the biggest challenges.

Ruth McDermott-Levy, a nursing professor at Villanova University, told Action News these sites are breeding grounds for roaches and rodents, and the diseases they carry.

"Roaches carry diseases, and they cause asthma," she said. "Mice and rats and other vermin carry other disease as well. Their excrement carries diseases."

McDermott-Levy says rodents can carry fleas and ticks that can transmit bacterial and viral diseases.

She also says there's an environmental impact to consider with the trash left out in the summer heat.

And the stinky situation can cause mental health issues.

"We have people having to smell it and see it when they walk out their door and people get anxious," she said.

McDermott-Levy says in order to stay safe when around piles of trash, wash your hands and leave your shoes at your door - don't wear them inside.

The Philadelphia Health Department says if people see evidence of rats or a lot of mosquitoes around a trash site, they could call the city at 215-685-9000.

In a statement to Action News, Communications Director James Garrow of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health said:

"The Health Department Vector Control Services program is continuing to operate and receive and respond to complaints. If residents see evidence of rats or are being plagued by mosquitoes, they are encouraged to call 215-685-9000. While uncanned trash can draw rats, residents can avoid that situation by using the designated temporary drop-off sites, which have metal dumpsters and are cleared regularly. Illegal short dumping and putting trash out for curbside collection will draw rats and is highly discouraged."

AFSCME Local District 33, which represents thousands of blue-collar Philadelphia city workers, remained on strike Monday.

The walkout has impacted a number of services in the city, and that includes the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The walkout has impacted a number of services in the city, and that includes the Free Library of Philadelphia.

"We don't want to be out there. We want to be in there doing that work for you," said Ada Ginger, a library assistant at the Haverford Library on the 5500 block of Haverford Avenue in the city.

DC33 not only represents sanitation and street workers, the union also represents some library employees.

That includes assistants, custodians, and guards.

So right now, nearly every Free Library of Philadelphia location is closed.

"This isn't city workers versus the people. This is the people and city workers making sure that we can continue doing what we do for the long term," Ginger said.

District Council 33 has created a strike fund to support its workers on the picket lines.

The Union posted a statement to social media, thanking Philadelphians for their support and requesting assistance.

They ask that food and water donations be dropped off at the union hall during normal business hours.

In that statement they also say a website for monetary donations is in the works.

Challenges continue at the dozens of trash collection sites that have been set up around Philadelphia as the strike by blue-collar union workers continues.

The trash that is piling up over capacity at some sites is a major area of concern.

The city is asking for the public's patience as they navigate this temporary solution.

"We are trying to expand the amount of capacity. We've gotten complaints of challenges at locations with overflowing dumpsters," said Carlton Williams, the city's director of clean and green initiatives.

Williams said the city has received numerous reports of people taking advantage of these sites, and it shows.

"This is not a free pass for illegal dumping," Williams said. "This is for residential trash only."

Philadelphia officials say the temporary trash collection sites set up during the strike are for residential trash only.

The city is asking residents to only dispose of trash on their designated trash pickup day.

Residents can drop off up to eight bags of household trash, and no loose trash is allowed.

The city provided a color-coded map showing dropoff locations and the days they are open on its website.

For the street addresses of the dropoff locations, click here.

An interactive map is also available on the city's website. You can enter your address, then click on the line in the street to see the nearest collection site location.