Philadelphia City Council is weighing the Stop Trashing Our Air Act, which would prohibit the city from contracting with companies that incinerate municipal solid waste or recyclables.
With existing disposal contracts approaching expiration, the proposal could reshape how waste from residential buildings is hauled and processed across the region.
Proposed Policy and Scope
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced the measure to end city contracting with trash or recycling incinerators.
Policymakers cite that 37% of Philadelphia’s trash is burned and that nearly one-third of the materials incinerated in Chester come from Philadelphia, while the Chester facility burns 3,500 tons per day.
Further legislative campaign details are outlined on the bill overview and legislative details.
Timeline and Legislative Process
The city’s waste disposal contracts expire at the end of the fiscal year, positioning Council’s action to directly influence the next procurement cycle.
According to reporting by PhillyVoice, a vote on the measure was postponed.
Council also heard public testimony from Chester’s mayor, reflecting cross-jurisdictional stakes for air quality and waterfront redevelopment.
Disposal Market and Contracting Implications
If enacted, the ban would likely shift city-directed loads away from incineration toward landfills, changing destinations for mixed municipal waste and ash.
Given that nearly one-third of Chester’s incinerated materials originate from Philadelphia, diversion could alter available capacity, routing, and short-term pricing.
Properties using city collection could see service adjustments through new contracts.
Owners employing private haulers may face pass-through changes as regional tip sites rebalance.
Recycling and Materials Management
The proposal also applies to recyclables, with particular attention to materials historically routed to incineration, including over 2,400 tons of scrap tires annually.
A life cycle assessment referenced by policymakers indicates that burning trash and landfilling ash is 2.3 times more harmful to human health and the environment than direct landfilling of unburned trash.
Managed properties may need to adjust contamination controls and sorting expectations if disposal pathways and vendor specifications change.
On-Site Operations and Resident Services
Potential re-bidding and new routing could influence pickup schedules, equipment needs, and building-level communications to residents.
Policymakers frame the measure in a public health context, noting that 1 in 5 Philadelphia children have asthma and that the city ranks as the number two big city for cancer incidence.
Portfolios spanning multiple neighborhoods may need to coordinate with different haulers as city contracts and market conditions evolve, with compliance checkpoints tied to future procurement outcomes.