Illegal dumping costs the City of Philadelphia nearly $9 million each year in cleanup efforts, according to City Controller Christy Brady’s latest monthly Municipal Money Matters report.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Brady released the latest report, which found that in fiscal year 2025, the city cleaned up nearly 14,000 tons of illegally dumped material.
According to officials, a statewide study estimates that it costs $619 per ton to clean up illegally dumped material, including costs associated with equipment operation and the proper disposal of material from illegal dump sites.
“Illegal dumping is more than just a neighborhood eyesore, it carries a significant cost for Philadelphia taxpayers,” said Brady.
From 2014 to 2025, nearly 210,000 illegal dumping reports were submitted to the city, the report states.
The following ZIP codes recorded the highest number of illegal dumping reports over those 11 years.
ZIP Neighborhoods Impacted Total Illegal Dumping Reports 19134 Kensington, Juniata Park and Port Richmond 17,359 19140 Hunting Park, Tioga, Nicetown, Fairhill 12,624 19146 Point Breeze, Grays Ferry, Graduate Hospital 11,948 19148 East Passyunk, Pennsport, Packer Park, Marconi Plaza 10,111 19132 Strawberry Mansion, Allegheny West 9,170
“Repeated dumping is particularly challenging at sites that are cleaned, only to have trash and debris dumped there again,” said Brady. “This cycle creates ongoing costs for the city while affecting the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods.”
The report also highlighted the city’s efforts to combat illegal dumping, including the launch of the Illegal Dumping Task Force in 2025. According to officials, the city’s current budget allocates nearly $3 million to fund 56 positions as part of the task force.
In addition, the city reported seeking $3.2 million in legal judgments against illegal dumpers in 2025 and another $908,000 through April 2026. However, city officials said during the latest budget hearings that only $70,000 have been collected.
“Collecting money from illegal dumpers remains a challenge. While the city is pursuing many efforts and initiatives, illegal dumping continues to require significant public resources. Reducing the ongoing costs of illegal dumping will require a continued focus on prevention, enforcement and holding illegal dumpers accountable.”
If you witness illegal dumping in progress, call 911 and do not confront the dumper, officials said. Illegal dumping discovered after the fact can be reported through Philly 311.