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What You Need to Do

If your business currently uses a private carter to collect waste, you will need to sign a new service agreement once your zone is rolled out. 

You will need to choose from a list of carters authorized to service your zone. You will select carters based on the material being collected (garbage, recycling, organics) and type of collection service (curbside or containerized). If your waste is collected in a dumpster or compactor, you can additionally choose one of the citywide carters that services dumpsters and compactors (10 cubic yards and up).

Some materials require special handling. Learn more exceptions to Commercial Waste Zones rules. 

Steps

Anyone who currently has their waste collected by a private carter should follow the steps below to select a new carter and sign a new contract before the end of their zone’s rollout period.

Step 1: Evaluate

Assess your waste including collection type and frequency of pickup to determine your service needs. Conduct a waste audit or request one from your carter or a BIC-licensed broker.

Step 2: Identify

Find Your Zone by address and confirm which carters are authorized to operate in your area. Determine your zone’s rollout schedule.

Step 3: Compare

Calculate Maximum Prices based on your service needs. Using this Calculator, compare the maximum monthly rates carters may charge for collection costs and additional fees. Carters must provide recycling and organics collection at a discounted rate compared to trash collection.

The calculator only returns the maximum monthly rates for each available carter in the selected zone. This tool is meant to help businesses estimate their collection costs and should not be used to determine actual prices. Prices will vary based on services negotiated. The maximum rates are only effective once the selected zone begins to rollout and customers enter new written contracts.

Step 4: Negotiate

Obtain multiple quotes from the carters in your zone to negotiate for the best service and rates possible. Businesses should negotiate BELOW the maximum rates calculated.

Step 5: Sign

Sign a new written service agreement with a zone-authorized carter. If you have not signed a new agreement before the end of your zone’s rollout period, you will be assigned a carter by DSNY.

Your carter will issue an official DSNY green decal, which must be posted at your business.
 
The process is now complete.

Additional Resources

Still have a question? Sign up for an info session to learn more about Commercial Waste Zones and how your business can comply.

Contact us for additional resources and information.

Exceptions

Some materials require special handling and must be collected by a BIC-licensed carter or micro-hauler. These materials include:

NOTE: Commercial Waste Zones rules do not apply to businesses receiving DSNY collection service. Find out if you qualify: