N.Y.C. Law Will Establish Waste Collection Zones

The New York City Council recently passed a bill to create waste collection zones throughout the city. "The bill, which represents years of activism, study and wrangling, aims to create a safer, more labor-friendly and environmentally sustainable industry, in which trucks travel shorter routes and recycling rates improve under a franchised system overseen by the Department of Sanitation," writes Matthew Flamm.

The new law will create 20 zones across the city’s five boroughs with each zone serviced by three carters. Advocates say that the new system will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and also make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and workers. Labor unions were split in their support, and other opponents argued that the bill would increase service costs for small businesses and put smaller waste operators out of business.

"[Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia] led the development of the plan over the past three years, following a de Blasio administration report in 2016 that determined the introduction of waste collection zones could reduce truck traffic by 49% to 68%," notes Flamm.