Why Pittsburgh's So Trashy
Pittsburgh's getting all glammed up before the NFL Draft next year. But shiny renovation projects (like a new-and-improved Market Square) can only go so far if our hillsides are covered in trash. The city, county and a bunch of local groups just launched a big cleanup campaign called "Immaculate Collection" to redd up our region before company comes over. But why does our city get so dirty in the first place, and what can we do about it? We're revisiting our conversation with Caily Grube, executive director of Allegheny CleanWays, about tackling Pittsburgh's trash problem.
Allegheny CleanWays is one of the partners behind Immaculate Collection. Learn more about the campaign and their cleanup events here.
**This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025.
Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
A Pittsburgher's Guide to Erie
If you're looking for a summer beach vacation but don't want to travel too far or spend a small fortune, consider a two-hour drive up nor...

The Best Local Potato Chips
It's backyard barbecue season, and no cookout feels complete without a big bag of chips. And if you like your summer snacks to be locally...

Debunking Pittsburgh Myths
As Pittsburghers, we have so much pride in our city. After all, we're the City of Champions and the City of the Bridges! But can we reall...

Bone Rooms, Power Outages & Primanti’s ‘Stolen’ Art
Pittsburgh International Airport (briefly) lost power during the big storm last week – something that wasn't supposed to happen because o...

Dirty Pasta, Swedish Candy & Dinner Under a Volcano?
Still mourning Stuntpig's closure in Squirrel Hill? Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo have recommendations for new s...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Do you know how many parks Pittsburgh has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City...

Morgan Wallen Drama, Vape Shop Regulations & YMCA's Log Cabin
You know you've messed up when both the National Weather Service and Mayor Corey O'Connor have to call you out for your lies! The City Ca...

The Best Chicken Dishes in Pittsburgh
Ordering chicken when you're eating out doesn't feel like the sexiest option, but City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Ha...

8 Pittsburgh Home Tours You Have To Take this Summer
If you love scrolling through Pittsburgh's wildest Zillow listings, don't miss your chance to actually go inside some of those fancy home...

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots
Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant l...

