Drinking Water Wastewater Stormwater NYC Waterways

Trash in Waterways

Trash in our harbor often begins as litter on our streets and sidewalks. Rain water can carry street litter to nearby storm drains, or catch basins, where it enters the City’s Sewer System. This litter can eventually make its way to our waterways, which can hurt local wildlife and put human health at risk.

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Trash Impacts Local Wildlife

With productive estuaries, vibrant wetlands and marshes, and a nearby deep-sea canyon, our local waterways are part of a larger ecological oasis that provides critical habitat for hundreds of species. Waterways in and around New York City are full of wildlife:

Learn about the Types of Wildlife in NYC’s Waterways.
Learn about Marine Ecosystems and Visit the NY Aquarium.
Learn about the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Local NY Seascape.
Learn about living alongside Wildlife in NYC.

Waterborne trash harms local wildlife. Trash and debris can be mistaken for food, which can lead to death because of suffocation, infection, or starvation. For example, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles are endangered, partially because of trash accumulating in their natural habitat. Trash can also entangle wildlife, affecting their ability to swim, which can lead to drowning.

Trash Impacts Human Health

Trash found in our waterways can also carry pathogens and toxins. This means human health is at risk when people swim near trash or eat seafood that has been exposed to these pathogens and toxins. Because waterborne trash can be dangerous to human health, beaches and shorelines are sometimes forced to close by order of the New York City Department of Health. This affects both the quality of life and the economy for nearby communities.

Get Involved

To improve water quality and protect wildlife and local communities that rely on our waterways, we implement a variety of programs and work with other agencies to help keep trash and debris out of the Sewer System and local waters. Learn more about How NYC is Keeping Our Waterways Trash Free.

Citizens like you can also help to keep our waters trash free. Learn more about how to Help Keep Trash Out of Our Waterways.