Program Goals

Currently, any neighborhood may be serviced by dozens of private 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.

Commercial Waste Zones will create a new regulatory framework that allows the City to achieve several additional program goals:

• Pricing: Provide fair, transparent pricing with low prices for businesses
• Customer Service: Strengthen customer service standards and establish accountability.
• Waste Reduction: Reduce commercial waste disposal and incentivize recycling.
• Environmental Health: Reduce truck traffic throughout the city to reduce air pollution and improve quality of life.
• Health and Safety: Improve training and safety standards to make the industry safer for workers and the public.
• Labor and Worker Rights: Improve industry labor standards and uphold worker rights.
• Infrastructure and Waste Management: Prioritize investments in clean, modern fleets and facilities that make up a reliable, resilient, and sustainable waste management system.
• Robust, Competitive Industry: Create a system that works for carters of all sizes and prevents overreliance on any single company.

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.