In an effort to meet New York City Mayor de Blasio’s ambitious goal of reducing commercial waste by 90 percent by 2030, the city established new business recycling rules back in February of 2016. While it’s been a year since the program was announced by New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, enforcement of these new regulations has just begun. Like when any new law or regulation takes effect, compliance and enforcement are often inconsistent and confusing for the best intentioned.
On August 1st, 2017, DSNY required all commercial businesses and buildings in NYC “to recycle certain materials and ensure to their best ability that those recyclable materials are properly handled by their private carter.” If you reside in New York City, you will have an easier time following these procedures because they mirror the rules you follow (hopefully) at home. The actual rules can be found at DSNY’s website.
Understanding and thus following the rules makes sense for all the obvious reasons because most businesses practice lawful policies simply as the right thing to do. Well here’s another good reason. Those who are found not in compliance with the new recycling laws could face fines upwards of $400 for each offense.
How do these new laws effect your building?
If you have not done so already, you will need to set up recycling services with a private carting company, presumably your existing company can handle this for you. Once you do that company will provide you with a decal from the Business Integrity Commission (BIC) that states your building’s waste and recycling services. You should already have a decal. With the new rules, comes a new decal.
Proper Decals
- Decal must identify your contracted carting company
- What materials belong in each designated bin
- How these materials are collected (single-stream or source separated)
- Which days your waste will be picked up
- Decal must be posted in place that is visible from sidewalk
Signage
For your building to be in compliance you must also post and maintain signs in public areas as well as maintenance areas describing how recyclables and garbage should be separated. The containers in your office or business must be clearly labeled with which type of material they hold (recyclables or garbage/landfill).
The Key to Success: Communication & Education
Over my decades of experience, I have found that communication and education are key when creating a successful recycling program. Under the new laws, you must inform your tenants of recycling and waste management policies annually (the rules change from time to time and presumably will continue to do so as technology and markets change). If you are a landlord, including as much information as possible will not only result in better compliance, but will allow your tenants to feel encouraged and supported as they adjust to the new policy.
Tips for Success
- Town halls—meet with tenants to go over new recycling rules and outline tenant responsibilities. This will help clarify any questions they may have about their role in this new program.
- Proper signage—ensure the signage near collection containers is easy to read and follow. This will leave less room for error.
- Make it easy—make it as easy as possible for tenants to properly dispose of their waste. Make sure collection areas are easy to access and well maintained.
- Designate a recycling champion—designate one person on your staff to be your recycling champion. This person will be the “go-to” for all tenant questions on recycling. This way information is consistent and concise.
- Recycle huddles—have weekly or monthly huddles with your maintenance staff to ensure they are aware of the current policies regarding recycling and waste removal.
Your Carting Company Is Your Ally
The most important takeaway is to think of your carting company as your ally. If you are unsure of what materials you can or cannot recycle, what signage you need to have, when you should be picked up, etc., simply ask. Your carting company has been handling recyclable materials for a number of years; they have the experience and expertise to address these issues. At Action we have held town halls with building maintenance managers and tenants in buildings to attempt to clarify any questions tenants may have. Others companies, including the DSNY, will offer the same.
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