The new schedule to take out the garbage went into effect on April 1st. It is an effort by the city government that seeks to reduce the presence of rats and other rodents on public roads by preventing waste from remaining on the sidewalks for a long time.
Abreu, a neighbor of the area, says: “At first it will be difficult, but I think it can be achieved for a cleaner city, which is what we want.”
According to the changes, for residential properties, garbage can be taken out after 6 p.m., as long as it is in a properly sealed container.
At that time you can also take out wrapped cartons and place it next to the container.
Garbage bags can be left on the platform from 8 pm. These rules also apply to taking out recycling and organic waste or compost.
Regarding residential buildings, if a property has nine or more units, the owner of the property may also choose the hours from 4 to 7 in the morning to take out the garbage.
For their part, businesses will be able to take out the garbage in containers one hour before closing, or at 8 pm, if it is bags.
Mabel Alicea, a neighbor of the area, believes that:“Avoid the rats that come at night, that open holes and eat the garbage, before they arrive, then yeahIt is a good idea”.
Other residents are also in favor of the change, such as Lisbeth Layne Franco:
“The rat problem in New York is a giant problem that has been in this city for years and it is about time we take action because the rare ones bring diseases to our homes.”
Until Friday, garbage could be taken out as early as 4 p.m., and there hadn’t been such a significant time change in more than 50 years, according to city officials.
To verify the days of garbage and recycling collection, you can check the website: NYC.GOV/DSNY
Fines for residents and businesses for not abiding by the schedules are $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, or $200 for three or more offenses.
The month of April will serve as a grace period and those who do not follow this rule will receive written warnings beginning May 1st.
