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Commercial Waste Zones
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 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.
- Read the press release.
- Download a map of the 20 zones.
- 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 25, 2024, 10:00 AM
- Join with Microsoft Teams
Final Rules
NOTE: The rules become effective in each zone as the commercial waste zones get implemented.
Establishment of 20 Commercial Waste Zones
Adopted: February, 2020
Commercial Waste Zones Customer Service and Operations Rules
Adopted: November, 2021
Public Safety Requirements for Carters Operating in Commercial Waste Zones
Adopted: November, 2021
Commercial Waste Generation Audits
Adopted: November, 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.