A new law will reorganize the city’s trash collection network and reduce the number of sanitation trucks crisscrossing the city.

The New York City Council recently passed a bill to create waste collection zones throughout the city. "The bill, which represents years of activism, study and wrangling, aims to create a safer, more labor-friendly and environmentally sustainable industry, in which trucks travel shorter routes and recycling rates improve under a franchised system overseen by the Department of Sanitation," writes Matthew Flamm.
The new law will create 20 zones across the city’s five boroughs with each zone serviced by three carters. Advocates say that the new system will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and also make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and workers. Labor unions were split in their support, and other opponents argued that the bill would increase service costs for small businesses and put smaller waste operators out of business.
"[Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia] led the development of the plan over the past three years, following a de Blasio administration report in 2016 that determined the introduction of waste collection zones could reduce truck traffic by 49% to 68%," notes Flamm.
FULL STORY: City Council passes historic waste zone bill

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems
SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope
Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects
The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.
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