On April 23, 2025, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced rollout dates for 2 Commercial Waste Zones: Bronx East and Bronx West. Find your zone here, and see the full announcement below:
Businesses within Bronx East and Bronx West are required to enter a written service agreement with an authorized CWZ carter between October 1, 2025 and November 30, 2025. The rollout of these commercial waste zones follows Queens Central, which became the first zone to be fully implemented in January 2025. More details on the Queens Central implementation can be found on the DSNY site.
What the Commercial Waste Zone Program Means for NYC Business Owners
Local Law 199 and commercial zoning intends to reform the private carting industry and address environmental, safety and customer service interests. The law, adopted in November 2019, sanctioned the creation of twenty commercial waste zones across New York City. In each zone, three private waste and recycling carters have been authorized to provide curbside and containerized collection. Additionally, five carters have been authorized to provide large container (10 cubic yards and bigger) service city-wide. All commercial establishments operating in New York City will need to contract with an authorized carter in their zone for waste and recycling services.
Requirements for NYC Business Owners
- Work with an Authorized Hauler
- Between each zone’s Implementation Start Date and Final Implementation Date, all commercial establishments within the respective zones must contract with a city-approved waste hauler that is authorized to operate in their specific Commercial Waste Zone.
- Action Environmental Services has been awarded 14 Commercial Waste Zones – the highest number of any hauler – reflecting its responsible leadership in NYC’s commercial waste management industry.
- You cannot hire any private waste carter — it must be one of the haulers authorized for your zone.
- Review and Update Waste & Recycling Collection Contracts
- Ensure your new waste removal contract aligns with CWZ requirements. All CWZ haulers can offer a standard form agreement that adheres to CWZ requirements. These contracts, already approved by the DSNY, impart confidence that your business is compliant with all regulatory requirements.
- Confirm service details like recycling, organics, proper containerization, set-out days/times, and service frequency are clearly specified.
- Proper Waste Separation & Containerization
- All NYC businesses are required by law to recycle metal, glass, plastic, mixed paper and cardboard. Under the CWZ program, businesses must arrange to have their recycling collected by a licensed, private hauler.
- All waste set out for disposal, including recyclables, must be in sealed containers according to DSNY’s containerization rule.
- Your hauler will offer the services you need to stay compliant with city recycling and containerization rules.
- Maintain Documentation
- Keep copies of your waste hauling agreements.
- Display the DSNY decal issued by your contracted waste hauler as instructed.
- Monitor Notices from DSNY
- Watch for notifications from DSNY about your waste zone assignments, program updates, or deadlines.
Action Carting is Leading New York City’s CWZ Transition
Action is preparing for CWZ implementation by aligning its acquisitions with industry-leading safety protocols. This includes providing new employees with safety training on collision avoidance, hazardous material handling, and emergency response, and upgrading acquired vehicles with AI-enabled cameras, side guards, auxiliary lighting, and compliance with NYC’s emissions standards. To guide businesses through CWZ implementation, Action has launched actioncarting.com, a hub for zoning resources, tailored waste solutions, and expert support.
We are eager to assist New York City in achieving its environmental/sustainability goals and encourage you to sign up with Action for the highest-quality, compliant waste solutions.