New York City recently announced rollout dates for two new zones under its CWZ (Commercial Waste Zone) program: Lower Manhattan and Queens West.
See the full implementation timeline below:
The rollout of these two zones follows Queens Central (fully implemented 1/3/25), Bronx East and Bronx West (fully implemented 11/30/25), and Brooklyn South and Queens Northeast (to be fully implemented 2/28/26).
What This Means for Lower Manhattan and Queens West Business Owners
New York City is in the middle of a big shift in how commercial waste is collected. Under Local Law 199 of 2019, the City has launched the Commercial Waste Zoning (CWZ) program, an initiative designed to make waste collection safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible.
How CWZ Works
The city has been divided into 20 commercial waste zones across the five boroughs. In each zone, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) designates three licensed waste haulers that local businesses can choose from. In addition, five haulers are authorized to provide large-container service (10 cubic yards or more) anywhere in the city.
As CWZ rolls out zone by zone, every NYC business will eventually need to update its waste service agreement to comply with the new rules.
What Business Owners Need to Do
Choose an authorized hauler
Between your zone’s Implementation Start Date and Implementation End Date, your business must contract with a DSNY-approved hauler that is authorized to operate in your specific zone. The Start Date for the Lower Manhattan and Queens West zones is April 1st, 2026.
You can no longer hire just any private carter; it must be one of the haulers assigned to your zone.
Review and update your waste contracts
Your new service agreement must follow CWZ guidelines. Authorized CWZ haulers can provide a standard DSNY-approved contract, giving you peace of mind that your business is fully compliant with the new rules.
Be sure the agreement clearly spells out details like organics service, container types, pickup schedules, service frequency, and recycling service, which is required by DSNY to be included in all CWZ service agreements.
Follow proper waste separation and container rules
All NYC businesses are legally required to recycle metal, glass, plastic, mixed paper, and cardboard. Some businesses must also separate back-of-house organic waste. Under CWZ, recycling must be collected by a licensed private hauler.
DSNY’s containerization rules also apply:
- Trash and organics must be placed in tightly lidded containers
- Recycling may be set out in clear plastic bags one hour before closing or after 8:00 PM
- Recycling bins are optional
- Cardboard must be flattened and bundled or baled for pickup
Keep your documentation up to date
- Retain copies of your waste hauling agreements
- Display the DSNY decal provided by your hauler as instructed
Action Carting Is Helping Lead NYC’s CWZ Transition
Action Carting is taking a forward-thinking approach to New York City’s Commercial Waste Zoning program. Instead of waiting for deadlines to arrive, Action is already investing in its people, training, and equipment to ensure a smooth transition for local businesses.
Safety is a top priority. Every employee receives specialized training in collision avoidance, hazardous materials handling, and emergency response. Action is also upgrading its fleet with industry-leading safety and sustainability features, including AI-enabled cameras, side guards, auxiliary lighting, and enhanced emissions controls, which help protect drivers, pedestrians, and neighborhoods alike.
To make compliance easier, actioncarting.com serves as a one-stop CWZ resource hub. Business owners can find compliance checklists, customized waste solutions, and direct access to expert support. For businesses in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond, it’s a practical, easy-to-use guide to navigating CWZ with confidence.
Action has been awarded 14 Commercial Waste Zones – the highest number of any hauler – reflecting its responsible leadership in NYC’s commercial waste management industry. We are proud to support New York City and DSNY as they work toward safer streets and a cleaner environment, and we invite you to partner with Action for high-quality, fully compliant waste solutions.