UPDATE: A critical new report released on September 29, 2023, exposes significant shortcomings in New York City’s trash management plan under Mayor Eric Adams. The report, published by the Center for Building in North America and the Center for Zero Waste Design, emphasizes that while efforts to containerize garbage are underway, recycling materials continue to clutter sidewalks, posing urgent public health concerns.
The report highlights that the sanitation department’s initiative mandates businesses and small residential buildings to use secured bins for their trash, but it fails to address the ongoing issue of recycling—specifically, paper, plastic, and glass—that still pile up on city streets. This oversight has drawn sharp criticism from experts who are calling for immediate action.
Clare Miflin, executive director of the Center for Zero Waste Design, stated, “When you’re going to do something this big and expensive, I think you need to think bigger.” Miflin advocates for the inclusion of recyclables and compost in the city’s new “Empire Bins,” designed to consolidate waste from larger buildings. “We think that it shouldn’t be trash only. It should be for both recycling streams and compostable waste,” she added, urging city officials to enhance their vision for a cleaner New York.
The sanitation department plans to roll out these bins in front of every residential building with more than 30 units over the next seven years. For buildings with 10 to 30 units, landlords can either request a bin or utilize wheelie bins for collection. Those with fewer than 10 units must already use smaller containers for their waste.
Sanitation department spokesperson Joshua Goodman defended the current approach, emphasizing the balance needed between functionality on narrow streets and the goal of keeping sidewalks clear. Goodman noted that while recyclables are collected less frequently, they do not attract rats as garbage does. “Both sides of the argument have overlooked the nuances,” he explained. “It is achievable, as we are showing, and it is difficult and requires trade-offs.”
Adding composting and recycling options to the Empire Bins is not without precedent. Pilot programs in parts of Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan have successfully implemented separate receptacles for organic waste and recyclables outside school buildings. These initiatives are crucial as schools produce significantly more compostable waste than residential areas.
The report’s findings could resonate with incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has expressed support for more ambitious containerization efforts. Miflin, part of Mamdani’s transition team, is optimistic that their proposals may gain traction under his administration.
As the city grapples with these pressing sanitation challenges, the call for immediate reform in waste management is louder than ever. Residents are urged to advocate for a comprehensive solution that includes recycling and composting in the city’s waste management strategy.
With the potential for a new vision on the horizon, New Yorkers are left to wonder: Will city officials heed the call for change, or will sidewalks remain cluttered with waste? Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
