Philadelphia is using the Covanta incinerator in Chester to burn its trash, upsetting local residents concerned the city’s trash is adding to local pollution-related health problems, writes Tom MacDonald for WHYY.

Zulene Mayfield of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living took her concerns to the City Council last week. 

Philadelphia’s trash is being burned in Chester at the same time that the area’s cancer rates are rising, she said.

“Philadelphia must decide if Chester is your neighbor or your dumping ground,” Mayfield said

She told the council that Chester’s life expectancy is being reduced by years, with community members suffering and dying.

“Chester gets the pollution first, but ultimately Philadelphians breathe it also,” she said.

Kirstie Pecci of the group Just Zero said Philadelphia needs to do a better job of reducing trash that’s going out to the curb in the first place.

She encouraged the city to adopt a “pay as you throw” program that mandates specific payments for trash removal. That would incentivize residents to create less trash.

Alyssa Wilds, speaking for Covanta, said the company believes in sustainability and is working to make sure its incinerator is in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Find out more about pollution concerns at the Chester incinerator at WHYY.

Philadelphia trash going to Chester raised some controversy in a Philadelphia mayoral debate six months ago.