On November 20, 2019, Mayor de Blasio signed into law LL199 of 2019, requiring the establishment of Commercial Waste Zones throughout New York City. The result of years of planning, analysis, and stakeholder engagement by DSNY, the Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program will attempt to create a safe and efficient commercial waste collection system that advances the City’s Green New Deal and zero waste goals while providing high-quality, low-cost service to NYC businesses.
The Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) program will divide the city into 20 zones, each served by up to three carters selected through a competitive bidding process . Five citywide contracts will also be awarded for the collection of containerized waste and compactors. In addition, commercial waste zones will create a new regulatory framework that allows the City to achieve several additional program goals:
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- Zero Waste: Reduce commercial waste disposal and incentivize recycling
- Environmental Health: Reduce truck traffic throughout the city to reduce air pollution and improve quality of life
- Pricing: Provide fair, transparent pricing with low prices for businesses
- Customer Service: Strengthen customer service standards and establish accountability
- 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
Moving toward implementation of the law, DSNY will conduct multiple rulemaking processes leading up to the release of an RFP in late spring / early summer 2020. A multiyear customer transition process will begin in 2021.
How will the Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) program affect my business?
The initial effect this new program may have on your business is the carting company you use. Only carting companies awarded a contract to operate in your Commercial Waste Zone are allowed to provide waste removal services.
The main goal of the CWZ program is to meet the Zero Waste initiative goals. Recycling and composting laws will become stricter as routes become more efficient, limiting the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
The rules and regulations are currently being drafted and finalized for the Commercial Waste Zone program. The effects on your business can change from now until the final version of the CWZ program is released. Check back on our website for any new updates on how the CWZ program may affect the way your business will handle its waste.