A new unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office will work to combat illegal dumping, stepping up investigation and prosecution of one of the city’s most prominent quality-of-life crimes. Known as the Cleaner and Greener Enforcement Unit, the effort is being launched as a pilot program in the 8th and 9th city council districts, District Attorney Larry Krasner said. The program is launching amid Krasner’s reelection bid, as campaigning ramps up ahead of the May 20 primary. The unit, officials said, will use investigatory tools, such as surveillance cameras and cell phone tower data, to find perpetrators, and dedicate prosecutors to litigate illegal dumping, also known as short dumping. Officials said that anyone who observes illegal dumping in the city should call 911. A hotline for the Cleaner and Greener Enforcement Unit has also been established, and can be reached at 215-686-8988.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/1/2025