Following significant planning, analysis, and contract development, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is in the process of a monumental overhaul of the City’s commercial waste industry mandated under Local Law 199 of 2019. While the Department of Sanitation collects trash, recycling, and compostable material from residents, businesses are required to hire private carters to collect their waste. Currently, any neighborhood may be serviced by dozens of these carters in an inefficient, hazardous, and unsustainable system.
Local Law 199 of 2019 was designed to reform this system, by establishing new safety standards for workers in the commercial carting industry, improving service for businesses, increasing diversion rates, and reducing vehicle miles traveled as well as harmful emissions from waste hauling vehicles. On January 30, 2024, DSNY announced that it has established new no-cost contracts with carters directly to reach the goals set out in the law. These selected carters are then authorized to operate in a given “Commercial Waste Zone” within the five boroughs and under the rules and requirements set forth by DSNY.
See the list of awardees by zone.
See the template agreement used for contracts with awardees.
See the Commercial Waste Zone Program Environmental Review Technical Memorandum.
NYC Rules
Proposed Rules
Initial Zone Rule for Commercial Waste Zones
Public hearing:
- March 7, 2024, 10:00 AM
- Join by Webex
Final Rules
DSNY adopted final rules in February 2020 designating the boundaries of the 20 commercial waste zones. The updated map presented on NYC’s Open Data portal reflects the changes made to the boundaries between the Implementation Plan and the final rules.
Notice of Adoption of Final Rule Establishing 20 Commercial Waste Zones
DSNY adopted final rules in November 2021 regarding customer service and operations requirements of awardees under the Commercial Waste Zones program.
DSNY held a hearing on January 26, 2021, and the comment period closed on February 9, 2021.
DSNY adopted final rules in November 2021 regarding public safety requirements for carters operating under the Commercial Waste Zones program. The rules were published jointly alongside proposed rules from the Business Integrity Commission regarding safety requirements for BIC licensees and registrants. For more information about BIC rules, visit their website.
DSNY held a hearing on April 13, 2021, and the comment period also closed on April 13, 2021.
DSNY adopted final rules in November 2021 that establish requirements for carters operating in commercial waste zones related to commercial waste generation audits, establish fees for the commercial waste zones program, and amend definitions.
DSNY held a hearing on September 15, 2021 and the comment period also closed on September 15, 2021.
Safety Task Force
The Commercial Waste Zones Safety Task Force was created by Local Law 199 and meets regularly to make recommendations for the effective implementation of safety measures relating to commercial waste collection. The Safety Task Force is chaired by the Commissioner of Sanitation and includes the Chair of the Business Integrity Commission as well as other appointed industry and policy experts.
Meeting minutes are available below.