The Real Estate Board of New York to The Department of Sanitation on a Draft Rule Pertaining to Commercial Waste Zones Level of Service

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The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, salespeople and other organizations and individuals active in New York City real estate. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) proposed rule that would authorized the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to assign a business who does not contract with an eligible private waste carter an approved carter and dictate the collection schedule for that business.

REBNY has been an active partner with DSNY and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of the commercial waste zone program. Under current rules, a business that is assigned a hauler by DSNY because they did not hire one themselves can only receive 2 trash and 1 recycling pick ups per week. But, some businesses generate more waste than can be handled by this frequency. This rule would allow DSNY to assign a business up to 5 pick ups a week to remove these larger volume businesses.

REBNY supports the proposed rule, which is a commonsense change that accounts for on- the-ground realities. The rule will result in better service for businesses and a better outcome for local residents alike.

Thank you once again for this opportunity to testify on this draft rule.