New York City has shared rollout dates for the next phase of its Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) program, with Midtown South and Staten Island set to begin implementation this summer.
Between July 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, businesses in Midtown South and Staten Island will be required to enter a service agreement with an authorized CWZ carter.
What Business Owners in Midtown South and Staten Island Need to Do
Sign With an Authorized Hauler
During the period between each zone’s Implementation Start Date and Final Implementation Date, all businesses must secure service with a city-approved waste hauler authorized to operate within their designated Commercial Waste Zone.
Not all private carters are eligible: only those specifically awarded your zone can provide service.
Review and Update Service Agreements
Businesses should ensure their new waste and recycling contracts meet CWZ requirements. Authorized haulers provide standardized agreements that have already been approved by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), helping ensure compliance.
Be sure your agreement clearly outlines key service details, including recycling collection, organics handling (if applicable), container types, pickup schedules, and service frequency.
Comply with Waste Separation and Container Rules
All New York City businesses are required to separate and recycle materials such as metal, glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard. Certain businesses must also separate organic waste.
Under CWZ regulations:
- Recycling must be collected by a licensed private hauler
- Trash and organic waste must be placed in secure, lidded containers
- Recycling can be set out in clear bags or bins during designated times
- Cardboard must be flattened and bundled or baled before set-out
Maintain Proper Documentation
Businesses should retain copies of all waste hauling agreements and ensure that the official DSNY decal provided by their hauler is properly displayed, as required.
To better understand how the CWZ program works, visit Action’s Commercial Waste Zones knowledge hub.
Key Implementation Dates
- July 1, 2026 – The first date that Midtown South and Staten Island customers may sign a CWZ agreement with an authorized hauler.
- August 31, 2026 – The final date by which Midtown South and Staten Island customers must have entered a CWZ agreement with an authorized hauler.
- September 1, 2026 – The official first night in which only authorized CWZ haulers may provide service to Midtown South and Staten Island customers.
Why Early Planning Matters
As seen in earlier CWZ rollouts across New York City, businesses that plan ahead have greater flexibility when selecting a provider and coordinating service.
Delaying action until the final weeks of the rollout period may limit available options and increase the risk of disruptions.
Action Carting is Leading New York City’s CWZ Transition
Action is already investing in the employees and equipment needed to help businesses run smoothly under NYC’s new Commercial Waste Zoning (CWZ) program.
That starts with safety. Every Action employee completes specialized training in collision avoidance, hazardous material handling, and emergency response. Additionally, Action is revamping its fleet to set the highest standards in the industry. Trucks are equipped with AI-enabled cameras, side guards, auxiliary lighting, and enhanced emissions controls, all engineered to increase safety on the road and lessen environmental impact in the five boroughs.
To help businesses adapt, actioncarting.com is a dedicated hub for everything CWZ. Our site offers zoning maps, compliance checklists, custom waste solutions, and direct access to expert support. For business owners in Staten Island, Manhattan, and beyond, it’s a practical guide to navigating the transition with confidence.
We are eager to help New York City and DSNY in achieving its goals, and encourage you to contact Action for reliable, compliant waste services.