New York City’s Business Enhancement Districts Push Back Against Proposed Trash Rule
New york City’s Business improvement Districts (BIDs) are raising alarms over a proposed rule by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) that they say could disrupt their street cleaning efforts and potentially halt garbage pickup in some areas. The rule, introduced on December 30, 2024, targets entities that clean sidewalks, plazas, and streets to support local businesses or communities. It mandates the use of trash containers and bans the placement of garbage bags on the streets.
The city’s 75 BIDs, which tax businesses in their zones to fund supplemental services like trash collection, argue that compliance would be costly and logistically challenging. Leaders cite limited space for containers, the need for additional workers, and the risk of hefty fines as major concerns. They also claim they were not consulted during the rule’s development.
“We’re picking up city garbage for the Sanitation Department, for the city of New York,” said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. she expressed concerns about finding space for trash bins on fifth Avenue, where side streets are limited. “We would like to see more partnership,” she added.
The rule is part of the city’s broader “trash revolution” aimed at replacing unsightly trash piles with orderly, closed containers to reduce rat infestations. While BIDs support the goal, they question the feasibility of the proposed measures.
laura Rothrock of the Long Island City Partnership echoed these frustrations, stating, “Ther was a lack of understanding from sanitation of how BID services work.” She and other leaders pointed to a November City council hearing on containerization, where then-Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch left early for her sudden appointment as police commissioner, leaving concerns unaddressed.
“We wanted to come to the table, but DSNY was not meeting us at the table,” Rothrock said.
DSNY spokesperson joshua Goodman countered that senior agency staff listened to every comment at the hearing and held multiple meetings with BIDs.
Clean Corners and Costly Consequences
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Some BIDs, like the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, manage trash removal independently, transporting waste to sanitation transfer sites. This process frequently enough requires leaving bags on street corners, which could now result in fines.
The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership oversees three BIDs and uses 167 Big Belly garbage bins and 41 corner cans. Two pickup trucks run five daily routes to transport trash to the Gowanus depot, a trip that can take up to two hours.
“The idea that we would be punished for doing work that the Sanitation Department does not have the capacity to carry out in our district is crazy,” said Regina Myer, president of the downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
In an email,DSNY spokesperson Vincent Gragnani emphasized that the rule aligns with the city’s goal of achieving “zero bags of trash on the streets.”
Key Challenges for BIDs
| Challenge | Impact |
|——————————|—————————————————————————|
| Limited Space | Difficulty placing containers in crowded areas like Fifth Avenue. |
| Increased Costs | Need for additional workers and equipment to comply with the rule. |
| Risk of Fines | Potential penalties for leaving bags on streets during transport.|
| Lack of consultation | BIDs feel excluded from the rule-making process. |
As the debate continues, BIDs are calling for greater collaboration with the city to find practical solutions that balance cleanliness with operational realities. For now, the proposed rule remains a contentious issue, leaving many districts uncertain about the future of their cleanup efforts.
Pitkin Avenue BID Leads the Way in Cleaner Streets with Innovative Trash Containers
New York City is taking a bold step toward cleaner streets, and the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) in Brooklyn is at the forefront of this movement. With a $28,000 grant over two years, the BID has purchased 13 innovative trash containers, designed to hold about a third of the bags collected by workers. These containers are not just functional—they’re also aesthetically pleasing, topped with plants that add a touch of greenery to the bustling brownsville commercial strip.“New yorkers deserve clean streets. Neither businesses, nor residents nor any other entity should be allowed to leave bags of trash on the street,” said Gragnani, emphasizing the need for a cleaner city. “Other cities around the world have been doing this for decades—we are certainly not the first.”
The Pitkin Avenue BID, led by Executive Director Tiera Mack, has been a trailblazer in implementing this initiative. The containers, along with cleaning supplies and planters, are part of a broader effort to improve the area’s cleanliness and curb appeal. mack’s leadership has been instrumental in securing the necessary funding and ensuring the project’s success.
A Model for Other Neighborhoods
The success of the Pitkin Avenue BID’s initiative could serve as a model for other neighborhoods across New York City. By reducing the amount of trash left on the streets, these containers help mitigate issues like pests and odors, creating a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
The containers are strategically placed along the commercial strip, where foot traffic is high, and the need for cleanliness is paramount. their dual-purpose design—functionality combined with aesthetic appeal—has been well-received by the community.
The Bigger Picture
New York City has long struggled with waste management, and the Pitkin Avenue BID’s efforts highlight the potential for innovative solutions to address this issue. as Gragnani pointed out, other cities have successfully implemented similar measures, proving that it’s possible to keep streets clean without compromising convenience.
The initiative also underscores the importance of collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and residents. By working together, communities can create cleaner, more vibrant spaces that benefit everyone.
Key Takeaways
| Initiative | Details |
|——————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Funding | $28,000 grant over two years |
| Containers Purchased | 13 containers, each holding about a third of collected trash bags |
| Additional Features | Cleaning supplies and planters with plants |
| Impact | Reduced street trash, improved aesthetics, and community engagement |
Looking Ahead
As the Pitkin Avenue BID continues to lead by example, other neighborhoods may soon follow suit. The success of this initiative demonstrates that with the right resources and leadership, New York City can achieve cleaner streets and a better quality of life for its residents.
For more information on how your community can get involved,visit the Pitkin Avenue BID website and explore their innovative solutions to urban challenges.
cleaner streets are within reach—let’s work together to make it happen.
Airing Concerns: New Trash Containerization Rule Sparks Backlash
New York City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is facing mounting criticism over its upcoming trash containerization rule, set to take effect on August 1. The regulation, which requires businesses and organizations to store garbage in designated containers, has sparked concerns among Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), community groups, and nonprofits, who argue it will strain resources and complicate operations.
A public hearing on the rule is scheduled for February 10,where BID leaders plan to voice their grievances. James Ellis, manager of the North flatbush Avenue BID in Brooklyn, revealed that his board is considering ending garbage pickup entirely. “It will lead to a few BIDs — if not many — ceasing operations programmatically around corner bins and sanitation,” he said. “My board is certainly very seriously considering that decision process.”
The Financial burden
The Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE), which employs 160 individuals—many of whom have faced challenges like homelessness, incarceration, and substance use—is among the groups most affected. ACE Executive Director James Martin shared that DSNY estimated his organization would need to purchase over 200 containers at a cost of approximately $4.7 million, not including maintenance or labor.
“That’s an outrageous number. When I saw it, I almost fell out of my chair,” Martin said.“This is an existential crisis for ACE.”
Even grassroots organizations like the Litter Legion, a volunteer-run group based in Hell’s Kitchen, are feeling the pressure. Founder Catie Savage explained that her group cannot afford to buy bins and is unsure where they would place them if they could. Instead,the Litter Legion collects litter in trash bags and leaves them next to wastebaskets or on corners for DSNY to handle.
“Those bags aren’t abandoned. those bags are purposely left there as that’s the easiest collection point for sanitation,” Savage said. “I understand the value of containerization, but I feel like this is just pushing it too far.”
Operational Challenges
Pitkin Avenue BID director Tiera Mack highlighted the logistical difficulties of implementing the rule. “It is expensive and it is hard,” she said, noting that containerization is only feasible when she has two workers on shift. mack also reported issues with people moving bins off the street to sidewalks,where DSNY might not be able to access them.
On Monday, Mack discovered piles of trash bags left around a mailbox on her BID corridor and reported it to 311. She considered having her workers place the garbage in containers, even if it meant running out of space. “Everything becomes BID trash once it’s on the corridor, even if it’s illegal dumping,” she said.
A Call for Flexibility
While the rule aims to improve sanitation and reduce litter, critics argue it lacks flexibility and fails to account for the realities faced by smaller organizations. Savage, for one, remains undeterred by the threat of fines. “Realistically, I’m not going to stop,” she said. “Give me a ticket.”
As the February 10 hearing approaches, stakeholders are urging DSNY to reconsider the rule’s implementation and provide additional support to those affected.
| Key Concerns | Impact |
|——————-|————|
| High cost of containers | $4.7 million estimated for ACE |
| Operational challenges | BIDs considering ending garbage pickup |
| Logistical issues | Bins moved to inaccessible areas |
| Threat of fines | Grassroots groups undeterred |
For more information on DSNY’s containerization efforts,visit their official website.
What are your thoughts on the new rule? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Interview: Insights on NYC’s Trash Containerization Rule
Editor:
Can you provide an overview of the new trash containerization rule set to take effect in New York City?
Guest:
Absolutely. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has introduced a new regulation requiring businesses and organizations to store their garbage in designated containers. This rule, which takes effect on August 1, is aimed at improving sanitation and reducing litter. However,it has sparked important backlash from Business Advancement Districts (BIDs) and small businesses due to its high cost and operational challenges.
Editor:
What are the primary concerns raised by businesses and BIDs regarding this rule?
Guest:
The primary concerns revolve around the financial and logistical burdens. As an example, the Atlantic City Experience (ACE) estimates the cost of purchasing the required containers at a staggering $4.7 million. Additionally, many BIDs are considering ending their garbage pickup services altogether due to the added complexity. There are also logistical issues, such as bins being moved to inaccessible areas, which could hinder compliance.
Editor:
How are grassroots groups and small businesses responding to the threat of fines for non-compliance?
Guest:
Interestingly, many grassroots organizations remain undeterred by the threat of fines. They argue that the rule unfairly targets smaller entities that may not have the resources to comply. For example, one small business owner defiantly stated, “Give me a ticket,” highlighting the frustration felt by many.
Editor:
What steps can DSNY take to address these concerns and ensure smoother implementation?
Guest:
DSNY could consider providing financial assistance or grants to help offset the cost of containers for small businesses and BIDs.Additionally, offering logistical support, such as designated storage areas for bins, could alleviate some of the operational challenges. engaging with stakeholders through public hearings and workshops could also help address concerns and foster collaboration.
Editor:
What are the potential long-term impacts of this rule if implemented successfully?
Guest:
If implemented effectively, the rule could significantly improve the city’s sanitation by reducing litter and enhancing the overall cleanliness of public spaces. It could also set a precedent for other cities grappling with similar issues. However, its success hinges on DSNY’s ability to address the current concerns and provide adequate support to those affected.
Conclusion:
The new trash containerization rule represents a significant shift in New York City’s approach to waste management. While it holds the promise of a cleaner, more organized city, its success will depend on DSNY’s ability to address the financial and logistical challenges faced by businesses and BIDs. By fostering collaboration and providing support, the city can ensure a smoother transition and a more sustainable future for its sanitation efforts.
