Snow Cancels Trash Pickup, Closes Early Childhood Centers

Striking Philadelphia particularly hard, the Dec. 26 storm lingers well into Monday. City officials announced Sunday evening the disruption of service due to the season's first significant snow event, with a focus on plowing and clearing the streets.

Streets Department officials cancelled trash collection for Monday throughout Philadelphia. 

"We are putting all our resources into overcoming this storm," Mayor Michael Nutter said in a news release. "We very much appreciate Philadelphians staying off the streets, parking their cars and staying safe. We're also asking residents who have Monday trash pickup to hold their trash until next week's regular Monday pickup." 

According to the Streets Department, more than 500 pieces of equipment will be out on city streets.

"Our priority is public safety. Crews and trucks that normally are dedicated to trash and recycling will be fully engaged fighting this powerful storm," Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson said.

With between 4 and 8 inches on the ground, the storm was particularly harsh due to its high wind speeds, which reached 30 mph.

Following the Christmas holiday, most schools are on winter break. The city did close early childhood learning centers Monday following the storm. Additionally, the School District of Philadelphia will open administrative officers two hours late on Monday.

Local supermarkets were flooded with patrons Sunday. Though it kept hours until midnight, as usual, the ShopRite at 6901 Ridge Ave. ran out of shovels and rock salt.

For the duration of the storm, the city provided several winter tips, including: 

• Apply any commercial de-icer on steps and sidewalks early to prevent residual moisture from freezing over and creating icy conditions.
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 36-inches wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm.
• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
• Be conscious of the environment—use de-icing salts only as much as needed. One pound of de-icer can cover 100 to 200 square feet.
• De-icer should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between additional accumulations and the pavement surface, and will make it easier to shovel.
• Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles.
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.

Check back with Patch for updates throughout the storm.

Zach Subar contributed to this report.