DeBella litter-ly ramps it up

Longtime local DJ John DeBella hears the national mood echoed: "A lot of radio, especially talk radio, is angry."
Longtime local DJ John DeBella hears the national mood echoed: "A lot of radio, especially talk radio, is angry."
Posted: August 24, 2011

AFTER READING a Daily News cover story urging Philadelphians to join the fight against litter and illegal dumping, longtime 102.9 WMGK morning radio host John DeBella will remove trash from the Montgomery Drive exit off I-76 this morning.

Q: What about the story made you want to pick up trash from the side of the road?

A: I saw it on the front cover . . . within the week, I'm driving out of the city - back out to Bala - so I said I'll just get off at Montgomery Drive. When I got off . . . the amount of s---, it was just beer bottles and soda bottles. It was just disgusting, it truly triggered me.

Q: How long would you say litter has been a problem in Philadelphia?

A: I didn't notice it until the Daily News ran the article. It's not like I really saw tons of filth all over the place, but when they brought it to mind I said, 'You know what, I don't know what's there but I'm willing to do my part.

Q: What would you say to people who litter and don't see it as a problem?

A: I understand it, I understand somebody doing that because we've become a world of 'I'm just worried about me.' But I'm an old hippie, and being involved and helping my neighbor is part of my credo.

Q: Do you plan on picking up litter regularly after today?

A: I love this city, sometimes more than life itself. I mean, this city gave me everything I have and I hate anybody trashing it - especially Philadelphians. I'll just see where this goes, I'm more than willing to take it on, but I do have other causes that are bigger and more important to me, like veterans, the hungry, and dogs. I plan on doing more than just tomorrow, but I can't commit to how much just yet."

- Phillip Lucas

Have ideas on how to solve Philly’s litter problem? Send them to trash@phillynews.com.

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