The strike is over - now what?

We are glad that the strike has ended and we can focus on what comes next - which at Glitter includes continuing our block cleanups as well as working with partners to tackle litter at the source.

We are leaving this page up to keep the resources and suggestions available to remind neighbors about ways they can reduce their waste not just during the strike but always.

We also want to remind folks that trash collection has not yet begun again and is slated to resume starting Monday July 14th.

Zero-Waste & Circular Options

Here are some immediate fixes that also reduce long-term societal challenges around waste. Now is a great time to get started practicing zero-waste in your life.

Visit CircularPHL’s ResourcePhilly Directory, a curated list of stores, services, and drop-offs across the city. Check out these Philly-based businesses that can help you reduce your waste right now:

🌿 Reuse & Refill Shops

🗑️ Composting Pickup

♻️ Special Recycling & Donations

How to Manage Waste at Home

Caring for your block starts at home. If you’re holding onto trash during the strike, here are safe, simple ways to reduce it:

  1. Store Bags Safely

    🗑 Use sturdy, well tied trash bags and keep them in a cool, shaded spot.

    🪣 Store food scraps in a sealed 5‑gallon bucket to limit smells and pests.

  2. Cut Down on Food Waste
     🍴 Eat leftovers, use garbage disposals, freeze scraps, and compost (see local options below)

  3. Handle Recycling Right
     🔄 Rinse containers and flatten boxes.
    🌠 Only recycle what Philly accepts
    ♻️ Clean bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, plastics (#1, #2, #5);
    📘 Learn more: phila.gov/recycle

  4. What Not to Do
     ❌ Don’t dump bags in parks or vacant lots—it’s unsafe and illegal.
    ❌ Don’t mix trash with recycling—keep them separate until pickup resumes.

About Glitter

We’re a Philly-founded, neighbor-funded street-sweeping service. Since 2021, 1,200 residents have pooled funds so 30 cleaners earn $25/hr to keep 350 + blocks clean every week.

We support sanitation workers’ fight for fair wages and will work actively to reduce litter piling up on our blocks. Throughout this process we plan to:

  • Continue sweeping on schedule to prevent loose trash from spiraling

  • Work with blocks to store sealed bags off-street whenever space exists

  • Share honest updates as City operations evolve.

We’re not here to replace public services. Our goal is to reduce harm and keep neighborhoods dignified until services resume.

If you’d like to learn how Glitter can help you and your neighbors keep a cleaner block, read more about our company and block cleaning subscription at: www.shareglitter.com

Neighbor feedback

We've been overwhelmed by the positive response to our neighborhood impact map and communications. Here’s a sampling of what folks are saying—some quoted from social media, others shared privately and anonymized with initials to respect privacy:

  • “We’re happy to use your map!” – A.S.

  • “Good work, Morgan and #Glitter!” – Jim Buck

  • “Thanks for the effort in making the map more accessible for people.” – T.W.

  • “Totally agree on the need for a fair resolution. Thank you for creating an interim resource for the community.” – Yena Lee

  • “You are the best.” – V.S.

  • “Thank you! The best use of the social media platform and technology. I just shared the link with my friends.” – Amruta Naik

  • “Thanks, this is very helpful.” – L.Y.

  • “Much appreciated!” – Kenyatta James

  • “What a valuable tool to share.” – S.L.

  • “I love this, thank you so much!” – Angela Fernandez-Iglesias, Ph.D.

  • “Really appreciate this, thanks for putting it together.” – Keanan Barbour-March, MSEd

“WE BUILT GLITTER TO SUPPORT CLEANER BLOCKS AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES. WHILE CITY SERVICES ARE PAUSED, WE’RE HERE TO HELP NEIGHBORS STAY INFORMED AND TAKE SMALL STEPS TOGETHER.”

— Morgan Berman, Founder & President and Brandon Pousley, CEO at Glitter