Earlier this week, New York City announced rollout dates for the Brooklyn South and Queens Northeast Commercial Waste Zones. Find your zone here, and see the updated implementation timelines below:
Businesses in Brooklyn South and Queens Northeast must sign a written service agreement with an authorized CWZ carter between January 1, 2026 and February 28, 2026. The rollout of these commercial waste zones follows Bronx East and Bronx West, which are both currently in their sign-up period; and Queens Central, which became the first zone to be fully implemented in January 2025.
What This Means for Queens and Brooklyn Business Owners
New York City is undergoing a major change to the way commercial waste is collected. Thanks to Local Law 199 of 2019, the city is rolling out the Commercial Waste Zoning (CWZ) program, which is designed to make waste collection safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Here’s how it works: the city has been divided into 20 zones across the five boroughs. In each zone, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) assigns three licensed carters that businesses can choose from. Additionally, five carters have been authorized to provide large container (10 cubic yards and bigger) service city-wide.
As the program progresses, every NYC business will eventually need to update its waste service agreement to comply with the new rules.
What Business Owners Must Do
Work with an Authorized Hauler
- Between each zone’s Implementation Start Date and Final Implementation Date, all commercial establishments within the respective zones must contract with a city-approved waste hauler that is authorized to operate in their specific Commercial Waste Zone.
- You cannot hire any private waste carter — it must be one of the haulers authorized for your zone.
Review and Update Waste & Recycling Collection Contracts
- Make sure your new service agreement aligns with CWZ guidelines. All CWZ haulers can offer a standard form agreement that adheres to CWZ requirements. These contracts, already approved by the DSNY, impart confidence that your business is compliant with all CWZ program requirements.
- Confirm service details like recycling, organics, proper containerization, set-out days/times, and service frequency are clearly specified.
Proper Waste Separation & Containerization
- All NYC businesses are required by law to recycle metal, glass, plastic, mixed paper and cardboard. Some businesses are also required to separate back-of-house organic waste. Under the CWZ program, businesses must arrange to have their trash and recycling collected by a licensed, private hauler.
- According to DSNY’s containerization rule, trash and organics must be set out for disposal in tightly lidded containers. Recycling may be set out in clear plastic bags 1 hour before closing or after 8:00 PM. Businesses may also use bins for recycling, but it is not required. Cardboard boxes must be flattened and bundled or baled for setout.
Maintain Documentation
- Keep copies of your waste hauling agreements.
- Display the DSNY decal issued by your contracted waste hauler as instructed.
Action Carting is Leading New York City’s CWZ Transition
Action Carting, Interstate Waste Services’ NYC-based subsidiary, is taking a proactive approach to New York City’s new Commercial Waste Zoning (CWZ) program. Rather than waiting for changes to arrive, Action Carting and IWS are already investing in the people, training, and equipment needed to keep businesses running smoothly under the new rules.
That starts with safety. Every employee goes through specialized training in collision avoidance, hazardous material handling, and emergency response—so whether it’s a busy city street or a complex waste stream, they know how to handle it safely and responsibly. At the same time, Action is upgrading its fleet to meet the highest standards in the industry. Trucks are equipped with AI-enabled cameras, side guards, auxiliary lighting, and enhanced emissions controls, all designed to improve safety on the road and reduce environmental impact in our neighborhoods.
To help businesses adapt, actioncarting.com is a dedicated hub for everything CWZ. Our site offers zoning maps, compliance checklists, tailored waste solutions, and direct access to expert support. For business owners in Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond, it’s a practical guide to navigating the transition with confidence, backed by a company that’s committed to safety, innovation, and community well-being.
We are eager to help New York City and DSNY in achieving its goals, and encourage you to sign up with Action for the highest-quality, compliant waste solutions.