Employees with AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia's largest blue-collar workers union, went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning after union representatives and the city failed to reach a deal.

With Philadelphia city workers on strike, trash pickup has been suspended — and food waste is piling up fast. If you’re trying to avoid smells, flies, and overflowing bins, composting can help cut down your garbage load while doing something good for the planet.

Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city would suspend residential trash collection, close some city pools and shorten recreation center hours, but vowed to keep the city running. Police and firefighters are not on strike, but the DC33 membership includes 911 dispatchers, trash collectors, water department workers and many others.