NYC finally launches containerized trash bin pilot
Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr
Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Wednesday unveiled a new containerized waste bin that the city will eventually deploy across all five boroughs in hopes of thwarting rats, making more room on the sidewalks, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The new bins are part of the city’s Clean Curbs Pilot program, which was announced two years ago. The first bins were installed in Times Square on Wednesday.
Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr
The new sealed containers aim to solve issues posed by previous bins, in which after being filled, full trash bags would be placed next to cans for pickup and would attract rodents and take up space on the sidewalk. Instead, full trash bags waiting to be picked up by DSNY will be put into the containers.
“Environmental justice begins at the street level, and it starts now. Clean streets are vital to vibrant neighborhoods and to New York City’s economic comeback,” Adams said.
“We need to stop dodging black garbage bags and instead fund and test container models throughout the city that will make our streets cleaner and more inviting for both New Yorkers and visitors.”
Instead of handling the bins themselves, the city has partnered with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local resident groups, and organizations to maintain them, according to Patch. The first two bins in Times Square were installed by the Times Square Alliance at 41st Street and 7th Avenue and 43rd Street and 8th Avenue.
According to a press release, the new five-borough test program will cost the city $1.3 million.
“Containerization is something that has been talked about for many years, but now we are actually testing what works and what doesn’t in the real world,” Tisch said. “Today’s announcement is a key step in finding ways to take back our streetscape from the mountains of black bags.”
The city is offering interested NYC groups the opportunity to look after one of the new bins. Those who are interested can apply here.
Earlier this week, Adams and Tisch announced another program with the same intention of cleaning the streets. The city made an $11 million investment towards new street sweeper vehicles specially designed for narrow spaces like bike lanes and restored alternate side parking so street cleaners can reach the full width of the street.
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