Philadelphia Launches ‘AlleyGators’ Program to Clear Trash From City Alleyways

Philadelphia is sprucing up its neighborhoods this spring, focusing on the city's alleyways to clean up trash and illegal dumping in 300 alleyways over the next 13 weeks.

NBC10 Philadelphia reported that crews launched a cleanup initiative across the city on Monday, May 4, targeting neighborhoods like Frankford and Kensington as part of its annual spring and summer cleaning program. 

The new initiative, dubbed the “AlleyGators,” is being engaged through the Office of Clean & Green Initiatives to target difficult-to-reach areas of the city.

So far this year, officials say they've identified 113 illegal dumping cases, recorded 40 illegal dumping violations, and secured 13 judgments totaling more than $900,000, according to NBC10. 

On Monday, FOX29 captured the Alleygators crew working along the 3000 block of E Street, above McPherson Park, moving debris, sweeping trash, and clearing an alley behind a rowhome.

"Individuals don't realize that alleyways are a safety exit to our homes and while they are the responsibility of the resident, sometimes alleyways get so overwhelmed with trash that residents can't do it themselves," said Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada (7th District).

According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report, the city previously has been cleaning alleyways and accepting related alley-cleaning submissions through 311. The AlleyGators, however, will allow residents to more easily track their requests, according to Carlton Williams, director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. The city estimates there are approximately 16,000 private alleyways across Philadelphia.

Residents can request alleyway maintenance by visiting the city's website.

According to the Inquirer, the AlleyGators will be funded by the city's existing budget and will employ 40 members from the Future Track program for alley cleanups. Workers from the city's Community Life Improvement Program will also assist with the effort.