In 2005, the city sent 3.6 million tons of waste to landfills. In 2019, 3.25 million tons were landfilled, which is equivalent to a 9.8% reduction.
In OneNYC, the commits to cutting the amount of waste collected by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) from the 2005 benchmark (3.6 million tons) by 90%, commonly referred to as a “Zero Waste” goal. Based on that figure, achieving the 90% reduction would mean just 360,000 tons would be collected that is destined for a landfill in 2030. According to a recent report from the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), 3.25 million tons of waste was sent to landfills in 2019, which is just under a 10% reduction from the 2005 benchmark.
While the city has 10 more years to achieve its goal, the city would now have to reduce waste by at least 8% a year to reach its goal, which is no easy feat. NYLCV has been fighting for the city to invest in public education on recycling and waste reduction. In 2019, NYLCV joined a coalition that asked the Mayor to allocate $10 million in the budget for public education on reducing waste and recycling. Currently, New Yorkers recycle less than 18% of their waste. While programs should inform New Yorkers about available recycling programs and teach them how to properly sort recyclables and organics, solely focusing on the what and how is not enough. The city needs to explain why these changes are necessary, and make a direct connection to climate change and the city’s sustainability goals.
In April 2020, the city temporarily suspended organics collection due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the suspension, while some neighborhoods had the option to enroll in curbside collection, the programs did not serve all New Yorkers.
The city originally used the In-Season Commuter Cycling Index for this indicator, but has since stopped using it. However, according to the NYC Department of Transportation, cycling increased 55% between 2012 and 2017.