Following last year’s announcement of NYC’s ‘Clean Curbs’ pilot program, the city recently finalized a rule requiring all food-related businesses to place their trash in secured containers to ‘stifle rats’ and keep garbage off of NYC streets.
Food-related businesses were the first selected because city officials share that they produce “an outsized amount of waste” and make up 20% of all NYC businesses. In a 100-page report by DSNY title, “The Future of Trash,” commercial waste was found to be eight times the volume of residential trash in certain business districts.
The rule will officially go into effect on July 30, 2023.
“New York is the home of the best restaurants in the world. I know it, you know it – and the rats know it, too,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “When you leave food behind, they’re ready for a gourmet meal, with the black bags outside food-related businesses basically serving as a to-go box for the rats. That ends now.”
Phase two of this plan involves the city’s proposal for chain businesses to adapt the same requirements. If all goes accordingly, the two phases would account for approximately 4 million pounds of trash produced daily being placed in secure containers from 25% of businesses across the five boroughs.
Flexibility will be granted in terms of the type and location of containers food-related businesses can use. Moreover, the secured containers must be stored inside or within three feet of business’ property line.
“These two simple proposals will have a transformative effect on NYC and will eliminate the mountains of food waste piled up on bags on our sidewalks, making our streets cleaner for New Yorkers and less appetizing for rats,” explains Mayor Eric Adams.
Read more about the ruling here.