A new city sanitation rule is set to take effect on Aug. 1, requiring Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to place all collected trash in containers instead of leaving bags on the curb. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) says the goal is to make streets cleaner and reduce rat infestations, but some BIDs say the policy creates financial and logistical challenges they can’t handle.

"This policy leaves us paralyzed," said Camelia Tepelus, executive director of the Morris Park BID

BIDs, which are nonprofit organizations funded by local businesses, help keep commercial corridors clean by collecting trash from stores and public bins. In Morris Park, BID workers collect garbage daily.

"Three hundred sixty-five days a year, two full-time staff, seven hours a day," said Tepelus.

Under the new rule, all BID-collected trash must be stored in bins instead of bags. Tepelus says this creates a major issue.

"We don’t have anywhere to store the garbage. And if we place it neatly in bags next to a bin, DSNY will fine us,"she said. BIDs say their challenges vary depending on the neighborhood. Some have high foot traffic, which increases the amount of trash. Others also struggle with illegal dumping. Standing next to a full public bin, Tepelus pointed out the problem.

"This bin is full, but someone already dumped more trash next to it," she said.

Under the new rule, if someone illegally dumps household trash in a BID district, Tepelus said the BID—not the person responsible—could be fined.

"We don’t have the money to hire trucks to move all this trash to DSNY garages. That’s DSNY’s job," she said.

DSNY says the rule is part of the city’s ongoing effort to remove trash bags from the streets.

“We have been clear since the start of the Trash Revolution that our goal is to have zero bags of trash on the streets," DSNY said in a response to News 12. "We have since put all commercial trash into containers, as well as 40% of residential trash."

The agency says containerized trash benefits businesses by making streets cleaner and reducing pests. DSNY also says it has been working with BIDs and adjusting the timeline based on their concerns.

"The proposed rule simply states that BIDs cannot leave bags on the streets. We have offered a number of alternatives, including bins, on-street containers, bringing trash to a DSNY garage, or storing it in a truck or facility," the response continued.

DSNY says they have discussed conducting walkthroughs with BIDs to help find storage locations and will consider public input before finalizing the rule.

The next public hearing on the rule is scheduled for February 10, where BIDs and community members will have a chance to voice their concerns.

"We want clean streets, too," Tepelus said. "But we need the city’s help before this rule goes into effect."