Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced three new initiatives to maintain clean streets across New York City and help spur on the City’s recovery. These initiatives build on additional resources and programs launched last September to provide essential cleaning resources and tools in neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
“A recovery for all of us means a healthy city, and that requires a clean city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’ve seen first-hand the work of the Department of Sanitation throughout this pandemic, and I know they’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. "
"Open space, including on our streets, has become more critical than ever during the pandemic," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. "With these initiatives we’re ensuring our streets are cleaner and more welcoming for all. Department of Sanitation workers have been heroes throughout this crisis and now they’ll help lead the way to recovery.”
“New York City is getting back on its feet, and New Yorkers deserve to place their feet on clean streets,” said Edward Grayson, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. "Restoration of baseline funding for basket service, the community clean-up van, and PCI mean more ways for Sanitation and our neighbors across the City to work together. Use litter baskets properly, for small items like coffee cups – never for household or business trash – and call us to report an urgent issue or schedule a community clean-up.”
This announcement includes an increase in dedicated litter basket service by more than 100 trucks per week and restores funding for Sunday litter basket service. When added to service restorations announced in September, dedicated litter basket collection service has increased by 61 percent compared to last July at the height of the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Sanitation has also created an all-new Precision Cleaning Initiative, with borough-based teams to conduct targeted cleanings of litter conditions, illegal dumping, and overflowing litter baskets. These conditions are eyesores that affect New Yorkers’ quality of life and threaten NYC’s recovery. Teams will be dispatched based on DSNY field observations, 311 complaints and referrals from other City agencies and community groups.
In addition, DSNY unveiled the design for its new Community Clean-up Van in partnership with the Sanitation Foundation and NYC Service. The van, along with investments in additional tools and resources for community groups, will support neighborhood cleanups across NYC as part of a Citywide Spring Cleanup effort.
These announcements come as the City engages in an equity-based recovery, and will empower communities to work with DSNY to produce cleaner streets for all of us. New Yorkers interested in joining or hosting a community cleanup can call 311 for more information.
"New Yorkers are the experts in caring for their neighborhoods," said NYC Chief Service Officer Anusha Venkataraman. "Through the Community Clean-up Van partnership, we are powering local initiatives with the resources to ensure all of our streets are healthy and clean."
“The Sanitation Foundation exists in part to advance the City’s ambitious zero-waste goals. We are thrilled to help fund this new Community Clean-up Van as part of that mission, helping keep neighborhoods clean for all New Yorkers,” said Julie Raskin, Executive Director of the Sanitation Foundation.
"New Yorkers want and deserve cleaner streets, which is why this Council has been vocal about the need for increased trash pickup. Today's announcement is welcome news, particularly as the weather gets warmer and more New Yorkers resume pre-pandemic activities. This is a win for everyone," said Speaker Corey Johnson.
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