Monday, July 8, 2024
MAYOR ADAMS, SANITATION COMMISSIONER TISCH UNVEIL FIRST-EVER OFFICIAL NYC BIN FOR TRASH PICK UP, RELEASE TIMELINE FOR RESIDENTIAL CONTAINERIZATION OF ALL ONE TO NINE UNIT BUILDINGS
NYC Bin — Cheapest Bin of its Quality — Available for Purchase Online
Containerization Requirement for Buildings with One to Nine Residential Units to Go Into Effect November 12, 2024
As of November 12, Administration Will Have Containerized 70 Percent of New York City’s 14 Billion Annual Pounds of Trash in Two Years
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today symbolically set Gracie Mansion’s trash and recycling out at the curb, marking the next step in relegating New York City’s once-omnipresent mountains of black trash bags to the dust bin of history. This waste was the first to be set out in the first-ever official NYC Bin, now available online. The new official NYC Bin is equipped with wheels and a secure latching lid, and is the cheapest bin of its quality available, with prices below $50 for the most common size. Additionally, Mayor Adams today also announced that DSNY has put forth a proposed rule requiring that all buildings with one to nine residential units and all special use buildings that receive DSNY collection (e.g. city agency buildings, houses of worship, and professional offices located within residential buildings) put their trash in containers, effective November 12, 2024.
“Today, we are tossing even more black bags into the dustbin of history and taking the next step forward in our ‘Trash Revolution,’” said Mayor Adams. “The first-ever, official NYC Bin is high-quality, affordable, and will build on our efforts containerizing more than 70 percent of the city’s trash to protect our most valuable and limited resource — our public space.”
“NYC-branded wheeled containers, custom designed to work with our trucks, are the key to keeping our most precious real estate — New York City sidewalks — clear,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “With over 70 percent of New York City’s trash contained, the Adams administration and the hardworking men and women of DSNY are defying the odds and the naysayers and winning the ‘Trash Revolution.’”
“Many property owners already use bins for their trash — and pay over $100 retail in order to keep the streets clean,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “Well, we’ve got great news: at the same time that we’re moving to require containerization of trash for all buildings with one to nine residential units, we’re unveiling the official ‘NYC Bin’ — beautiful, durable, and less than $50 for the most common size.”
The new NYC Bin. Credit: New York City Department of Sanitation
The new official NYC Bin is the cheapest bin of its quality available; similarly durable bins with wheels and a secure, latching lid are sold in retail stores for almost three times the price. These savings were achieved through an innovative contracting mechanism in which one vendor is held to a low price in exchange for exclusivity.
Many lower-density residential buildings and special-use buildings already use bins to set out their trash, and the rule provides a period of more than 18 months during which they may continue to use bins they already have, provided those bins are 55 gallons or less and have a latching lid to keep rats out. Thanks to this program, replacing those bins when they wear out just became vastly more affordable, significantly reducing costs for small property owners.
Effective June 1, 2026, those buildings will be required to use the official NYC Bin to facilitate faster, safer, cleaner mechanized collection with rear-loading “tipper” garbage trucks. Any property owner or manager covered by the rule who does not currently have a bin is encouraged to purchase the official NYC Bin, as this bin is far cheaper than anything of its quality sold in retail stores. While the requirements of this new rule only cover trash and compostable material, matching green (paper) and blue (metal, glass, plastic, cartons) NYC Bins are also available for purchase for any property owner or manager who prefers a matched set. Bins should be ordered by October 1 to guarantee delivery before the new containerization requirement goes into effect on November 12.
Implementation of the rule will include a warning period extending through the end of 2024, with issuance of fines to commence on January 2, 2025. As with existing commercial containerization requirements, the fine for leaving trash on New York City streets rather than in a secure bin of 55 gallons or less is $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for a third offense and each thereafter. DSNY will engage in substantial outreach this summer around these new rules, including through mailers, door to door canvassing, community and ethnic media outreach, and work with community boards and civic associations.
The “Trash Revolution” Thus Far
The launch of pre-orders for the official NYC Bin and the rule mandating low-density containerization are the latest steps in the rapid rethinking of the relationship between 8.3 million New Yorkers and 14 billion annual pounds of trash — an undertaking collectively known as the “Trash Revolution” — that has led to record-breaking reductions in rat sightings.
- In October 2022, the Adams administration kicked off the Trash Revolution by changing set-out times for both residential and commercial waste from 4:00 PM — one of the earliest set-out times in the country — to 8:00 PM in April 2023, while also allowing earlier set-out if the material is in a container. This incentivization of containerization was paired with major changes to DSNY operations, picking up well over a quarter of all trash at 12:00 AM rather than 6:00 AM, particularly in high density parts of the city, and ending a practice by which up to one-fifth of trash had been purposefully left out for a full day.
- Later that month, DSNY published its “Future of Trash” report, the first meaningful attempt to study containerization models in New York City, and the playbook to get it done.
- Last August, containerization requirements went into effect for all food-related businesses in New York City. These businesses — restaurants, delis, bodegas, bars, grocery stores, caterers, etc. — produce an outsized amount of the type of trash that attracts rats.
- That same month, installation of the initial 10-block, 14-school Manhattan Community Board 9 pilot containers began.
- Last September, commercial containerization requirements extended to chain businesses of any type with five or more locations in New York City. These chain businesses tend to produce a large total volume of trash.
- This past February, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch unveiled a new, automated, side-loading garbage truck and a new data-driven containerization strategy, affirming a commitment from Mayor Adams’ 2024 State of the City address to set New York City on the course to store all trash put out for pickup in containers.
- On March 1, 2024, container requirements went into effect for all businesses — of every type — in New York City to get their trash off the streets and into a secure bin.
- On November 12, 2024, container requirements will go into effect for low-density residential buildings — those with one to nine units. At that point, approximately 70 percent of all trash in the city will be containerized. New Yorkers can purchase the official NYC Bin online starting today, and use of that specific low-cost bin will become required in June 2026.
- In the spring of 2025, installation of stationary on-street containers will begin in Manhattan Community Board 9 for the first full-district containerization pilot, serviced by new automated side-loading trucks.
“The NYC Bin adds another instrumental tool in New York City’s rat mitigation toolkit,” said Director of Citywide Rodent Mitigation Kathleen Corradi. “With this next step in the Department of Sanitation’s ‘Trash Revolution,’ New York City continues its efforts to systematically deny rats a curbside buffet and get black bags off our streets.”
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for NYC Metro Region
In Effect for Monday, July 8, 2024
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Monday, July 8, 2024, for ozone for the New York City Metro region.
The pollutant of concern is: Ozone
The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.
The Monday, July 8, Air Quality Health Advisory region consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.
People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.
Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.
New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
- conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
- close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
- limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
- set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
- purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
- reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/
To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for NYC Metro Region
In Effect for Sunday, July 7, 2024
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Sunday, July 7, 2024, for ozone to include the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.
The pollutant of concern is: Ozone
The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.
The Sunday, July 7, Air Quality Health Advisory region consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester Counties and Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.
People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.
Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.
New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
- conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
- close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
- limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
- set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
- purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
- reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/
To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
Alaska Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion Scheme
Defendant Falsified Business Records to Evade More Than $550,000 in Taxes
An Alaska woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to evading taxes on income she earned from the business she operated.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Tina H. Yi, of Anchorage, was the sole owner and operator of SJ Investment LLC, a hotel, bar and liquor store in Nome, Alaska, that did business as Polaris HBL. Yi created the business in approximately April 2007 and operated it until approximately October 2017, when the physical property was destroyed in a fire.
From approximately 2014 to 2018, Yi maintained two sets of financial records relating to the business’ income and expenses, one of which accurately captured SJ Investment’s income and expenses, and one that understated the business’s income. Yi provided the false records to her accountant to prepare her tax returns. As a result, her 2014 through 2018 tax returns were all false.
Yi caused a total tax loss to the IRS of over $550,000.
Yi is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 11, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez Warns Against Smishing Scam That Uses Official-Looking NYC Website, After Shutting Down 11 Domains
Text Messages Ask Users for Nominal Fee to Settle Outstanding Parking or Toll Balance;
Clicking on Accompanied Link Lets Scammers Harvest Personal and Financial Information
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit shut down 11 internet domains associated with a smishing scam in which people receive a text message regarding a purported unpaid parking ticket balance or toll fee. Clicking on the attached link takes potential victims to an official-looking website, where they’re asked to enter their identifying information, which can then be used for identity theft or sold on the Dark Web.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Swift response by our Virtual Currency Unit allowed us to dismantle 11 domains that were used to scam New Yorkers by using credible-looking websites. People should be very suspicious of any unsolicited text message or email requesting money or personal information, and to never click on link without knowing the sender. Even as we continue to shut down these fraudulent sites, education and prevention remain the best defense.”
Mayor Adams said, “This administration will not sit idly by while bad actors attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting New Yorkers. When we were informed of this scam, we immediately alerted New Yorkers and reminded them that the Department of Finance and NYC City Pay will never require payment from anyone via text message. We remain committed to keeping New Yorkers informed and commend District Attorney Gonzalez for moving quickly to shut down 11 websites involved in this devious text message phishing scam. We will not tolerate these attempts to exploit our community’s trust. As always, we urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and stay informed, and NYC Cyber Command will continue to partner with the DA’s Office to ensure all New Yorkers are aware of similar campaigns and have all the information needed to protect themselves from identity theft.”
The District Attorney said that this week, his office became aware of this scam after a detective received a text message requesting $2.50 to settle a $25 balance and providing a link. Dozens of complaints describing the same text were additionally received by the Cyber Currency Unit. The operation was identified as a smishing scam, which is a type of phishing scam that uses text messages and websites to solicit users’ personal information, and often starts with an alarming, and legitimate-looking text message.
The investigation revealed that, when users clicked on the link, they were taken to a realistic-looking website, purportedly from “NYC Citypay,” where they were asked for their name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and credit or debit card number. That information could then be sold online and used for identity theft, to open credit cards accounts, and for other illegal activities. Twenty-four hours after initiating an investigation, the DA’s Office identified 11 domains connected to the scam and took them offline pursuant to a court order. The dismantled domains are: not allowed to be reposted here due to certain policy, so if you have been a victim or think you have been a victim, you have to go to the Brooklyn District Attorney's website at http://www.brooklynda.org/2024/07/05/brooklyn-district-attorney-eric-gonzalez-warns-against-smishing-scam-that-uses-official-looking-nyc-website-after-shutting-down-11-domains/ to see which domain was dismantled by the Brooklyn District Attorney, and see if you were scamed by one of them.
People who responded to the text and entered their information, should freeze the account they used to pay the small fee, activate a credit card freeze, notify their bank and credit card provider, and closely monitor their finances for a few months to look for unusual activity.
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Recent Increase in Covid-19 Activity
Hospitalizations Have Increased Compared to the Same Period Last Summer, But Remain Well Below the Rates Seen During Same Period In 2022
New Yorkers Are Reminded of Latest COVID-19 Guidance
Governor Kathy Hochul provided New Yorkers an update on COVID-19 as new variants contribute to increases in hospitalizations in parts of New York State and around the country. With social gatherings increasing during summer months, and high temperatures forcing people indoors, the Governor reminds New Yorkers to get tested if they have symptoms, follow the usual precautions including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID-19 vaccines and seek appropriate treatments if necessary.
“While we are well below the figures seen during the pandemic, we are closely monitoring activity regarding the latest variants,” Governor Hochul said. “By following the guidance and taking simple precautions, New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.”
COVID-19 hospitalizations are currently well above the rates seen at this time last year, but well below the rates seen during the same period in 2022.
- On July 3, 2024, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 0.72 per 100,000 residents.
- On July 3, 2023, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 0.31 per 100,000 residents.
- On July 3, 2022, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 1.66 per 100,000 residents.
To view current COVID guidance, see here and here.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to take strong actions to monitor and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
New York State Department of Health continues to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 isolation guidance can be found here.
At-home COVID-19 tests remain available at many local pharmacies statewide. New Yorkers can also find the current COVID-19 vaccine sites here.
The widespread availability of at home testing has resulted in a significant decline in tests being sent to labs. Researchers at New York State’s Wadsworth Lab now rely more on wastewater analysis for surveillance of circulating COVID-19 lineages. Federal and state wastewater surveillance indicates the growing presence of new variants both in New York and across the country, which are believed to be one of several potential causes of the current trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates, including increased travel and social mixing.
Individuals who have symptoms should test for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatments, which have been shown to be effective at reducing the chances of serious outcomes. New Yorkers who are immunocompromised, have lung or cardiovascular conditions, or other risk-factors, and those who are seniors, are especially encouraged to discuss COVID-19 treatments with a health care professional. Those who test positive should also avoid contact with others, including staying home from work, school, and social activities.
The COVID-19 vaccine remains one of best prevention steps and has been shown to reduce risk of serious illness. Anyone who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine or boosters is encouraged to do so. For more information on the latest CDC guidance on vaccines, see here.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, without the need for co-pays. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers; local, tribal, or territorial health departments; and pharmacies participating in the HHS’ Bridge Access Program.
Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!
SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY
The first half of 2024 is past us, so Senator Rivera wanted to review some of the work he and his community affairs team have been doing for the community.
In February, Senator Rivera's office partnered with the NYC Department of Finance and Part of the Solution (POTS) to host a free housing assistance clinic for his constituents. Senator Rivera's team helped dozens of seniors in the Bronx apply to the City’s rent freeze program and to the SCHE program to provide property tax relief for homeowners during and following the event.
In March, Senator Rivera's team hosted an Immigrant Community Resource Fair at the Bronx Library Center to offer neighbors navigating the complicated immigration and asylum process connections to experts and resources including free legal assistance.
In May, Senator Rivera's team hosted the IDNYC Mobile Van in front of the Senator's district office. Over the course of three days, close to 200 constituents showed up to get their IDNYC card. Senator Rivera is grateful to the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Council Member Pierina Sanchez's office for their partnership to bring this valuable resource to the community.
In the last six months, our team assisted 667 constituents from all 11 zip codes who visited or contacted the Senator’s Office seeking assistance. The most common constituent issue within Senator Rivera’s district remains finding or staying in their housing. Senator Rivera’s office is proud to partner with organizations like Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), West Bronx Housing Resources Center (WBHRC), and many more that do incredible work for the people of the Bronx by providing free housing counseling and legal advice. If you live in the Northwest Bronx and need assistance or information from Senator Rivera’s team, call our District Office at 718-933-2034.
Senator Rivera is hosting his Annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon on July 25 at Lehman College! Attendees will enjoy entertainment, refreshments, health screenings and raffle prizes!
Starting on Monday, July 8th at 10:00am, call our office at 718-933-2034 to reserve your seat at the Senior Health Fair and Luncheon. Only those who reserve a ticket will be able to attend the luncheon.
