Anderson testifies on Intro 1041 litter basket removals
Anderson says DSNY understands past litter basket removals were frustrating but that removals are now rare and a last resort. He says he has not removed a litter basket as commissioner and that DSNY recently began updating its litter basket inventory monthly.
Lastly,
Intro 1041, sponsored by Councilmember Hankerson, would change how the department considers litter basket removals.
We understand that the department's past practice of removing chronically misused litter baskets was frustrating to elected officials and New Yorkers alike.
And today, several factors make such removals rare and, when exercised, the last possible resort.
First, the department has the highest level of baseline funded litter basket service in recorded history, meaning that we are able to service every basket currently on the street more frequently all across the city.
Second, the department adjusts service levels more thoughtfully and proactively than in the past, changing the frequency and time of day of collection to best optimize service to a neighborhood's need.
Third, our network of community partners has grown in both size and scope, including bids, local mutual aid groups, and supplemental service providers.
And finally, thanks to action by the City Council several years ago, we have stronger enforcement tools to hold those who misuse our litter baskets for disposal of household and commercial waste accountable.
In rare cases of clear recurring misuse that leads to consistent unmanageable overflow, sanitation may determine that a basket must be removed or relocated.
Any such removals are subject to my own personal review, and it is an action that I do not take lightly.
And in fact, we have not yet...
Removed a Lear basket since I have been commissioner.
But it is critical that we retain this tool
as an option of last resort to address chronic misuse and improper disposal that affects our city's neighborhoods.
And on reporting, I'm happy to say that we recently began updating the litter basket inventory posted on open data on a monthly rather than quarterly basis.
And I'd be happy to discuss with you further reporting, transparency, and accountability with the council.
So thank you for the opportunity to testify on these topics today, and we are happy to answer your questions.