Philadelphia Streets Department resumes normal trash schedule

Philadelphia residents who have endured unpredictable and often-delayed trash pick ups will have a little bit of order restored this week—the city’s streets department has resumed a normal trash collection schedule starting Monday, Aug. 3. 

Many throughout the city have voiced anger and frustration with trash collection services, which have been hindered due to the coronavirus pandemic, causing staff shortages and more waste being produced by people staying home. 

While trash pickups will return to normalcy, recycling will continue to be delayed. Crews are collecting recycling that is currently curbside, but due to dangerous weather conditions expected from Hurricane Isaias, recycling collections scheduled from Aug. 5 to 7 will be suspended. City officials instructed residents to place their trash curbside on their normal collection days, but to hold their recycling on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until next week. 

In other coronavirus-related news:

Philadelphia Department of Health officials announced 311 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, a tally that includes results for three days, since new cases were last reported on Friday, July 31. The city’s total number of confirmed cases is now 30,665. There were two fatalities reported as well on Monday. 

The Free Library of Philadelphia is now offering limited services including returns, pickups and phone references. A complete list of what services are offered at your neighborhood library is available online.

SEPTA announced a new Social Distancing Coaches program in an effort to keep transit riders informed of COVID-19 news and also thank passengers for wearing a mask. The coaches will be stationed at key locations such as 69th Street Transportation Center, Frankford Transportation Center and 15th Street Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. 

“The coaches are there on behalf of SEPTA to thank our customers for riding the system and wearing masks, so we’re focusing on the positives first and foremost,” said Kim Scott Heinle, SEPTA’s Assistant General Manager for Customer Experience and Advocacy in a statement. “We want riders to know that we’re doing everything we can to stop the spread and that their safety is paramount.”

As always, the city’s coronavirus helpline is available and can be reached at 1-800-722-7112 and residents can text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to get updates sent directly to their phones.