A momentous policy change will have to wait as companies ranging in size from Waste Connections to a local three truck operator report substantial volume declines due to the novel coronavirus.
Cole Rosengren@ColeRosengren reports for Waste Dive
This spring, New York’s commercial waste sector was planning to submit bids for a transformative new franchise zone system. Instead, haulers are now dealing with an even more existential event – the new coronavirus.
As the epicenter for COVID-19, New York has also been one of the most heavily affected commercial waste markets in the country. The city’s current roster of commercial haulers have no role in the residential sector and a number of them don’t do business outside the five boroughs. Hundreds of workers have been laid off. Dozens or more have become ill with the virus. Companies of all sizes are meanwhile reporting double-digit volume declines, with many unsure how much business will come back.
Recognizing this upheaval, the city’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has twice delayed the timing of a late spring request for proposals to bid on the new zones. Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced a one-month delay on March 27, but the pandemic’s effects have become more clear in the weeks since.
Like this? Click to receive free EP Blog updates
The National Waste & Recycling Association’s local chapter (representing companies such as Interstate Waste Services and Waste Connections) subsequently advocated for a one-year delay, saying there is “no constituent that will be well served by a rush to design and implement amidst such uncertainty.”
Last Friday, DSNY told stakeholders the earliest an RFP could be released is this fall. Many people described this as a foregone conclusion beforehand and reacted accordingly.
“DSNY’s decision to delay the issuance of the RFP until the Fall is not surprising, given current public health and economic conditions in New York City and their adverse impact on both the carters and their customers,” said Solid Waste Association of North America David Biderman in a statement, adding the group remains in “close contact” with stakeholders.
The city noted this reality in its own explanation.
“An overwhelming majority of businesses remain closed or operating at a limited capacity, and commercial waste carters continue to endure the suspension of significant shares of their customer accounts and revenue,” wrote Garcia. “While there is hope that the City and State may begin to lift some restrictions in the coming weeks and months, the economic toll of this crisis will continue for quite some time.”
The new normal
New York commercial waste haulers are well-acquainted with operating amid the obstacle course of city nightlife. Lately, streets have been eerily quiet and routes are going much quicker. Outside of activity around locations such as healthcare facilities, grocery stores, bodegas and some foodservice establishments, there is minimal waste being generated.
“For us, it’s had a material impact on our business, there’s no doubt about that,” Jason Craft, Eastern region vice president for Waste Connections, told Waste Dive. Craft, who called DSNY’s new decision “incredibly prudent,” reported “Manhattan has been significantly impacted” and volumes are down 30% citywide.
If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.
