February 2015
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How To Handle Commercial Waste in NYC—BOMA/NY Speaks Out Against Proposed Bill, Calls for Comprehensive Solution

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Intro. 495.... Its proposed goal—to reduce truck traffic in city districts most impacted by waste transfer stations—is commendable on the surface, but in actuality, would cut the city’s ability to handle its commercial waste nearly in half. In BOMA/NY’s view, the negative impacts of such a drastic action have not been sufficiently studied, and it’s not even clear if those proposing the bill have thought through the implications.

In a formal letter to City Council President Melissa Mark-Viverito, BOMA/NY took the position that to pass such legislation would be both "inappropriate and irresponsible," and recommended extensive review and study, pointing to the decades-long, comprehensive analysis and planning that resulted in the city’s current Solid Waste Management plan as an example of the right approach. BOMA/NY also stated clearly it is "prepared to work with the Council and other advocates and experts to craft a solution that will reduce truck impacts on targeted districts, while understanding and minimizing any significant negative impacts."

What are those negative impacts? Here’s a quick summary.

1. Increased Disposal Costs.
By cutting permit capacity for trucks, the cost of disposal will go up, as some transfer stations will have closed and others will be handling less volume. That makes remaining capacity more valuable, and therefore haulers, and in turn, their customers, will be charged more. Plus, haulers who can’t find in-city capacity and have to go outside the city will have to charge more, and all these costs will eventually be passed on to owners, and ultimately, tenants. BOMA/NY is not aware of a study evaluating this problem.

2. Increased Truck Miles/Labor Costs.
Redirecting trucks will lead to increased truck miles in and around the city. Because in-city capacity will be reduced, trucks will have to find capacity elsewhere, which in turn increases labor costs. BOMA/NY is not aware of any study in this area.

3. It Will Cost Jobs.
Closing stations or reducing their size will cost workers—primarily union members—their jobs. Again, BOMA/NY is not aware of a study on this situation.

Hearings got underway earlier this month, and we will keep you posted on the progress in future issues of BOMAfacts.