This spring, New York’s commercial waste sector was planning to submit bids for a transformative new franchise zone system. Instead, haulers are now dealing with an even more existential event – the new coronavirus.
As the epicenter for COVID-19, New York has also been one of the most heavily affected commercial waste markets in the country. The city’s current roster of commercial haulers have no role in the residential sector and a number of them don’t do business outside the five boroughs. Hundreds of workers have been laid off. Dozens or more have become ill with the virus. Companies of all sizes are meanwhile reporting double-digit volume declines, with many unsure how much business will come back. Recognizing this upheaval, the city’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has twice delayed the timing of a late spring request for proposals to bid on the new zones. Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced a one-month delay on March 27, but the pandemic’s effects have become more clear in the weeks since.
New York commercial waste haulers are well-acquainted with operating amid the obstacle course of city nightlife. Lately, streets have been eerily quiet and routes are going much quicker. Outside of activity around locations such as healthcare facilities, grocery stores, bodegas and some foodservice establishments, there is minimal waste being generated. “For us, it’s had a material impact on our business, there’s no doubt about that,” Jason Craft, Eastern region vice president for Waste Connections, told Waste Dive. Craft, who called DSNY’s new decision “incredibly prudent,” reported “Manhattan has been significantly impacted” and volumes are down 30% citywide.
Source: Waste Dive
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