Q: Why do we need to follow all these rules related to how we manage our own waste?

A: Please see the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) residential website portal for more information:

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents.page

Q:  What is the penalty for not complying?

A:         The building incurs fines for non-compliance.  This actually happens, and the building has been subjected to fines in the past.  Please see the following DSNY documentation related to fines:

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents/collection-laws-residents.page

Q:         Doesn’t the Superintendent of the building take care of our waste?

A:         While the Superintendent is tasked with delivering the properly-separated and packaged trash from the basement to the outside, he is NOT tasked with separating waste from residents.  It is the responsibility of EACH RESIDENT to take charge and take care of properly separating and packaging waste, as well as placing it in the appropriate bin or spot in the basement or trash chute.

NOTE: Not only is it mandatory for residents to separate their own garbage into the appropriate types, but doing so has an added benefit of facilitating our diligent Superintendent with his work.