A cleaner city? It comes down to you

October 10, 2011

BECAUSE OF budget cuts, the Streets Department has had to cut its ranks from 1,500 employees in 2009 to 1,100 today. And that's down from nearly 5,000 employees in 1980.

Here are five things you can do to help Philly become a cleaner city.

1 Become a block captain. Or if there's already a block captain, find one for a neighboring block. The city has programs that are available only if there is a block captain to take the reins. For one, "Adopt A Basket," the block captain takes responsibility for maintaining a trash can on a residential block.

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2 Keep an eye on your trash collectors. If your block is dirtier after the truck comes on trash day, call 3-1-1 to report it. Every truck comes with a broom and dustpan, and it is every crew's job to pick up after themselves. And keep your 3-1-1 tracking number. Without it, you won't be able to check progress on your complaint.

3 Get a "circular-free-property" sticker. The sticker is supposed to deter businesses from putting fliers in your door, railing, etc. You can get the sticker by calling 3-1-1, or by going to philly.com/pickitup. When it doesn't work - and it won't - complain to 3-1-1 and the business will be fined $100.

4 Enlist your local school. The Streets Department's Litter Free School Zone program recruits students to pick up around their schools. They also run assemblies that teach kids not to litter and about the benefits of a litter-free life. The school district has committed to promote the program this year, but parents should contact administrators at their kids' school and urge them to participate.

5 Pick up after yourself - and others. The UnlitterUs antilitter program sponsors blocks and commercial corridors that have shown a dedication to sweeping up after themselves and others. Contact them at 215-686-5560 or call the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee at 215 685-3981 to coordinate regular neighborhood cleanups, and UnlitterUs will give you signs declaring a Litter Free Zone. Or, when you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up.

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