The rollout of NYC’s commercial waste zones will begin in Fall 24. Ensure that your business is covered by the right hauler in your zone by staying up to date with the schedule here and learning about how this phased approach will benefit you.
In 2024, New York’s Commercial Waste Zone program will be rolled out across the 5 boroughs of the city. This means that your business needs to be ready to sign a new waste management contract with one of the haulers allocated to your zone. Explore our guide to the rollout schedule here and take note of the dates that apply to you.
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Understanding the Commercial Waste Zones Initiative
The Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program has its foundations in Local Law 199, passed in November 2019, as part of new efforts to reform the city’s commercial waste collection systems. Historically, NYC’s city’s commercial waste industry was fragmented and unfit for purpose, with multiple private carting companies servicing different businesses across the city. This created inefficient routes, increased vehicle emissions, and heightened risks for pedestrians and workers.
The new zoning system aims to solve these issues by assigning specific carters to defined geographic zones. This means that New York City is now split into 20 Commercial Waste Zones, each served by no more than three carting companies. You can quickly and easily find your zone using DSNY’s CMZ map here.
Ultimately, the new system aims to improve the efficiency of commercial waste collection while also bringing significant environmental and safety benefits. For example, the carting companies that operate in these zones will be expected to meet strict safety and sustainability standards.
Additionally, NYC’s Commercial Waste Zone bill will also introduce a rate cap system, ensuring that businesses are charged a fair and maximum price for services, protecting them from price gouging and other opaque pricing systems.
The Rollout Schedule — Key Phases
The rollout schedule will be announced in phases, with the following dates set as of this time.
Fall 2024
Fall 2024 will see the implementation of the first zone in Queens Central, which includes the following neighborhoods:
- Corona
- Elmhurst
- East Elmhurst
- Forest Hills
- Glendale
- Jackson Heights
- Maspeth
- Middle Village
- Rego Park
- Ridgewood
This means that businesses in those neighborhoods must sign a CMZ contract within the periods between Sept 3rd and Jan 2nd.
Winter 2025
Other CMZ rollout dates will be announced as new rules are released on nyc.gov. However, it’s important to remember that your business may not sign a new CWZ contract until the specific zone you operate in begins to rollout. Additionally, any business failing to secure a new contract with the assigned carters will be allocated a carter for their zone.
Benefits of a Structured Rollout Schedule
A structured rollout for the new system has numerous benefits for businesses looking to boost the sustainability and efficiency of NYC’s commercial waste management systems. Below we look at some of the most important points.
- Minimizes Disruptions to Businesses
A gradual, structured rollout ensures that businesses have sufficient time to adapt to the new system. Rather than implementing the changes all at once, the phased approach provides businesses with the opportunity to understand the new zone-based system, prepare for changes in service providers, and make informed decisions about waste management contracts. - Allows for Incremental Improvements
By rolling out the program in phases, the city can evaluate each step of the process and make adjustments as needed. This allows for the identification of any potential issues or inefficiencies in the early zones before expanding the program citywide. As each phase is completed, the city can apply lessons learned to improve the overall performance of the CWZ program, ensuring that it meets its goals of sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. - Enhances Coordination Between Stakeholders
A structured rollout allows for better coordination between all parties involved, including the Business Integrity Commission (BIC), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), private carters, and businesses. This means that stakeholders can collaborate effectively to ensure that everyone is aligned with the new regulations, service requirements, and sustainability goals. - Ensures Fair and Competitive Pricing
The phased rollout provides an opportunity to assess and regulate pricing structures within each zone. By introducing rate caps and monitoring carters’ pricing practices, the city can ensure that businesses are charged fair and competitive rates for waste collection services. - Reduces Overall Operational and Environmental Impact
Instead of implementing the CWZ program citywide, a step-by-step approach helps carters optimize their routes within their assigned zones progressively. This has the potential to lead to fewer trucks on the road, reduced traffic, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a significant decrease in the city’s reliance on landfills.
Wrap Up
With more information on the rollout of subsequent zones expected later in the year, it’s important that your business prepares to quickly secure a contract with a hauler in your zone. With years of experience in providing sustainable and competitive commercial waste collection in NYC, RTS is already well-placed to optimize waste collection for your business in the following zones:
- Bronx West
- Upper Manhattan
- Queens Southeast
- City-wide Containerized
For more information on our services, contact a member of our LEED accredited team today.