A new and upcoming Citywide commercial waste zone system is expected to result in creating a safer environment for workers and the public alike
Sanitation trucks, especially those belonging to private companies are often very dangerous to pedestrians. Private carting companies have a bad reputation. They often operate with a blatant disrespect for the safety of their workers and of the public as well. Currently, around 90 private sanitation companies service customers all around the city. As a consequence, more than 50 individual carting companies may service a single neighborhood every day. This system not only put workers and pedestrians in danger but also pollutes the environment. It will be replace next year by a new system. A Commercial Waste Zone Bill was passed a few months ago and is expected to improve work conditions, reduce pedestrian accidents and decrease pollution.
The new bill will divide the city into 20 different zones where only a selected number of private carting companies will be allowed to operate. Private trash companies will be chosen through a competitive biding process this year and contracts will be awarded in 2021. To be eligible private trash haulers will have to meet requirements in regards to workers protection, low polluting trucks and extensive safety training for workers.
Picture of the location of the garbage truck accident: courtesy of Google Map