UPDATE: A new report from the Center for Building in North America and the Center for Zero Waste Design calls for a major overhaul of New York City’s trash management plan, highlighting a significant gap in recycling efforts. The report, released on Friday, criticizes the NYC Sanitation Department for failing to include recyclables in its containerization strategy, a plan championed by Mayor Eric Adams.
The report highlights that while businesses and small residential buildings are now required to place their garbage in secured bins, the streets remain cluttered with recyclables like paper, plastic, and glass. The authors argue that the city must extend its “Empire Bins” initiative to encompass recycling and composting, ensuring that all waste types are managed efficiently and aesthetically.
Clare Miflin, executive director of the Center for Zero Waste Design, emphasized the need for a broader vision. “When you’re going to do something this big and expensive, I think you need to think bigger,” she stated. Miflin envisions a comprehensive system where all waste streams coexist in containers on the streets.
The city plans to install these Empire Bins outside every residential building with more than 30 units over the next seven years. For buildings with 10 to 30 units, owners can choose to request a bin or rely on smaller wheelie bins. Those with fewer than 10 units are already mandated to use smaller containers for trash disposal.
Sanitation department spokesperson Joshua Goodman defended the current approach, stating it balances the realities of New York’s narrow streets with the need to keep sidewalks clear. He noted that while once-weekly recycling collections do not attract pests as garbage bags do, the city’s efforts still require careful consideration of trade-offs.
The report’s recommendations are timely, especially as incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for expanding containerization efforts. Miflin is part of Mamdani’s 400-person transition team, potentially positioning her proposals for greater visibility in the new administration.
Adding compost and recycling to the Empire Bins is not without precedent. Bins installed near schools in parts of Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan as part of a pilot program have been equipped with separate receptacles for organic waste and recyclables.
The emphasis on improving recycling practices is crucial as the city grapples with ongoing waste management challenges. With more trash piling up on sidewalks, the urgency for a comprehensive solution is clearer than ever.
As the discussion around this report gains traction, city officials and residents alike are urged to consider the implications of not addressing these issues. The push for a cleaner, more organized New York City is at a pivotal moment, and the next steps will determine the effectiveness of this ambitious waste management plan.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on the future of NYC’s waste management efforts.
