Chester Residents Fight to End Philadelphia's Trash Incineration

Activists demand cleaner air and environmental justice in ongoing battle over city's waste disposal practices.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:18am

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A passionate group of Chester residents, led by the organization Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL), are fighting back against Philadelphia's practice of sending a third of the city's trash to the Reworld Incinerator in Chester, the largest of its kind in the country. The protesters, including CRCQL chairperson Zulene Mayfield, staged a symbolic "die-in" outside City Hall to highlight the health impacts of the incinerator's pollution on their community.

Why it matters

The issue of Philadelphia's trash incineration disproportionately affects the predominantly Black and low-income city of Chester, where residents face higher rates of respiratory illnesses and other health problems linked to the pollution. This fight for environmental justice has broader implications for the entire Philadelphia region, as the air pollution does not stop at the city's borders.

The details

Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier has introduced the Stop Trashing Our Air Act to address the problem, emphasizing that this is not just about Chester but the right of all Philadelphians to breathe clean air. The city has also added an environmental assessment component to evaluate the impact of incineration as it negotiates new waste disposal contracts. However, the current distribution, with one-third of Philadelphia's trash going to the Chester incinerator and the remaining two-thirds to a landfill, raises questions about the city's priorities.

  • The protest and "die-in" by Chester residents took place outside Philadelphia City Hall.
  • Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced the Stop Trashing Our Air Act.

The players

Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL)

A community organization in Chester, Pennsylvania that is leading the fight against Philadelphia's trash incineration practices and their impact on the health of Chester residents.

Zulene Mayfield

The chairperson of CRCQL, who has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice and the right of Chester residents to breathe clean air.

Jamie Gauthier

A Philadelphia City Councilmember who has introduced the Stop Trashing Our Air Act to address the issue of the city's trash incineration and its impact on the region.

Carlton Williams

The director of Philadelphia's Clean and Green Initiatives, who has acknowledged the importance of environmental impact in the city's waste disposal decision-making process.

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What they’re saying

“We have people who are literally dying.”

— Zulene Mayfield, Chairperson of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living

“This air doesn't stop at the border.”

— Jamie Gauthier, Philadelphia City Councilmember

What’s next

The Stop Trashing Our Air Act has passed committee and is awaiting a vote by the full Philadelphia City Council. The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for the health and well-being of Chester residents and the broader Philadelphia community.

The takeaway

This fight for environmental justice in Chester highlights the need for all communities to have the right to breathe clean air, regardless of their socioeconomic status or racial makeup. It's a collective responsibility to ensure that waste disposal practices do not disproportionately burden marginalized communities like Chester, and that the city of Philadelphia prioritizes sustainability and the health of its residents.