The Department of Sanitation’s new NYC Commercial Waste Zones program promises to reshape the city’s commercial waste industry. Change is coming. Here is what NYC businesses need to know.
Scroll below to learn more, or contact your Great Forest representative.
What is NYC Commercial Waste Zones?
Under Local Law 199, the NYC Commercial Waste Zones program will divide the city into 20 zones, each served by up to three carters. In addition, five carters will operate citywide to pick up larger containers (10 yards and up) across zones. Currently, any area may be serviced by dozens of private carters that crisscross the city picking up waste from businesses. The Commercial Waste Zones program aims to make the system of waste collection more organized and consolidated. The new program will reduce miles traveled and harmful emissions from waste hauling vehicles while improving safety standards for workers in the commercial carting industry, and offering incentives for increasing diversion rates.
Rollout of NYC Commercial Waste Zones
The below zones have been rolled out:
- Queens Central, which includes the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona and Elmhurst, was the first zone to be rolled out. It was fully implemented as of 1/3/25
- Bronx East and Bronx West, which encompass all of Bronx, have been fully implemented as of 11/30/25
The below zones have are in the process of being rolled out:
- Brooklyn South, which includes the neighborhoods of Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Gravesend, Midwood, Flatbush, and Manhattan Beach, will be rolled out as of 2/28/26.
- Queens Northeast, which includes the neighborhoods of Flushing, Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston, Auburndale, Whitestone, College Point, Briarwood, Fresh Meadows, and Hillcrest, will be rolled out as of 2/28/26.
The below zones have future implementation dates set:
- Lower Manhattan will be fully implemented as of May 31, 2026.
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Midtown South and Staten Island will be implemented by August 31, 2026
New York City plans to roll out all 20 zones by the end of 2027.
What Does This Mean for NYC Businesses?
No action is needed until the “customer sign up period” begins before implementation occurs in your zone. The “customer sign up period” begins two months before full implementation.
At that time, your businesses will only need to switch out the current hauler providing service if the current hauler was not awarded the zone where your site resides. (Great Forest will take care of this switch for clients, and will continue to manage waste management services as normal in NYC.)
See a list of carters awarded by zone.
Upward pressure on prices may occur as zones start to roll out due to a confluence of factors, including:
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- Less competition due to only 3 haulers operating in each zone
- Increased costs associated with the mandatory containerization of waste for all business through New York City
- The implementation of congestion pricing in the Spring of 2024
Other Important Aspects to Local Law 199 include:
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- New York City has outlined maximum allowable rates that each zone-authorized haulers can charge. You can negotiate a lower rate. Please use this calculator to see maximum allowable rates in your zone.
- If your business does not sign a contract with an authorized hauler by the final implementation date of your zone, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will assign one of the designated, authorized carters to you at the highest allowable rate.
- Carters must charge their customers less for the collection of recycling and compostable material than they do for the collection of refuse, giving NYC’s 200,000 businesses an opportunity to save money while helping to divert material from landfill.
- With less emissions, and more use of electric waste hauling vehicles, the Commercial Waste Zones program will potentially mean lower Scope 3 emissions for businesses that are tracking and reporting.
How Great Forest Can Help
- Great Forest keeps up-to-date with all Commercial Waste Zone news including rollout dates and any changes to hauler awardees. By working with us, you will know when zones are set to roll out and ensure that you are in compliance with the law.
- Before zones roll out, it is a great time to run a waste hauling RFP to ensure that you receive best pricing. Great Forest has deep knowledge of the New York City waste hauling market and can lead this process for you.
Find Your Zone
CLICK THE MAGNIFIER SYMBOL IN THE UPPER LEFT OF THE MAP TO ENTER YOUR ADDRESS and find your commercial waste zone.
Mouse over the green map areas to view zone details.
Resources:
- Read the Department of Sanitation press release.
- Download a map of the 20 zones.
- See the list of awardees by zone.
Great Forest will continue to monitor the rollout of the NYC Commercial Waste Zones program. Clients will be informed of any changes needed to carters and cost. Have questions? Contact us.