Many questions remain about how companies were selected, how much recycling investment will occur, how soon companies get electric vehicles, when implementation will begin, and more.
By Cole Rosengren, Waste Dive Editor
New York’s recent announcement of 65 contracts for companies to manage commercial waste in the city was a major development. Now comes the hard part — setting up the system by 2026.
Shifting from an open market system in which licensed haulers can operate anywhere in the five boroughs to one in which select haulers can only operate in certain zones will be complex. Many questions remain about how this will be implemented, as well as how it will lead to desired environmental and safety benefits.
The city’s Department of Sanitation declined an interview and further details at this time. The New York City Council’s sanitation committee is expected to address this topic in future budget and oversight hearings, but dates have not been set.
In the meantime, here are five important areas to watch as the process gets underway.
Initial reactions
Unlike other waste-related announcements, neither DSNY nor Mayor Eric Adams have held press conferences on this issue in recent years. Aside from a supportive statement by the New York League of Conservation Voters after the awards, environmental and business groups have largely been quiet as well.
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