New York to Cut Sidewalk Trash Service by 40 Percent

Budget cuts will force the Department of Sanitation to cut sidewalk trash collection by nearly half.

1 minute read

January 4, 2024, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of green New York City public trash can with white text "Keep New York City Clean."

Kaesler Media / Adobe Stock

Edited January 4, 2024 to correct the headline and number of total sidewalk trash cans maintained by DSNY.

Despite the city’s ‘war on rats,’ New York City’s Department of Sanitation will have to cut its budget by 3 percent, meaning fewer trash cans on the city’s streets, reports Clio Chang in Curbed.

“Along with axing community composting programs and delaying brown bin pickup, the department will be reducing its sidewalk trash can collection service by 40 percent” of the city's total of 23,000 curbside trash baskets.

According to a DSNY spokesperson, “Given the choice, we would rather there be no litter basket on a corner than an overflowing basket.”

Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in Curbed

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