Residents, youth urge City Council to block ReWorld/Coventa waste deal, push 'Stop Trashing Our Air' Act

Philadelphia City Council heard more than an hour of public comment on April 9 focused on a proposed extension of waste shipments to the ReWorld/Coventa incinerator in Chester and on a local ordinance known as the Stop Trashing Our Air Act.

Community members, health workers and students told council that emissions from the incinerator cause higher rates of asthma and cancer in Chester and surrounding communities. “The extension of the contract with ReWorld is appalling,” said Ella Gans, a college student and organizer. “Every time you throw your trash out for the week, there is a chance that the very chip bags and water bottles you throw away will end up in the lungs of the very people in this room.”

Speakers described local health statistics and personal losses. Several Chester residents and young people urged council members to block the contract extension and to adopt local measures to reduce waste burning and expand recycling and composting. “Why must the people of Chester suffer for Philly’s trash?” asked 14-year-old Vi Abdul Sabur, addressing the chamber during the youth portion of public comment.

Advocates pressed for concrete alternatives: expanding curbside recycling and local composting, investing in waste-diversion infrastructure and prioritizing environmental justice in procurement decisions. Several presenters cited data about emissions and particulate matter from the incinerator, and health advocates warned of elevated local cancer and respiratory disease rates.

Council took no final vote on the waste contract or the Stop Trashing Our Air Act during this session. After the public-comment period, the council moved on to its second-reading calendar and adopted multiple ceremonial resolutions. Multiple speakers acknowledged they would continue organizing and return to press council to act on the waste contract.

The hearing featured cross-jurisdictional appeals: while many speakers were Chester residents, several Philadelphia-based advocates and Swarthmore College students argued Philadelphia policy choices contribute to the burdens in Chester and urged municipal action to stop shipping waste to the plant.

Next steps: Council did not announce a floor vote on the contract during this session. Advocates told reporters after the session they expected follow-up committee hearings and continued lobbying of council members about procurement and waste policy.