The City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) recently expanded its waste containerization program into the neighborhoods surrounding Columbia’s Morningside campus. Called Empire Bins, these on-street garbage containers are an alternative to setting out garbage bags directly on the sidewalk.
DSNY’s goal in expanding containerization is “cutting off the 24-hour rat buffet and improving quality of life for all New Yorkers.” The Empire Bins program is a pilot program happening around Manhattan Community Board District 9, which stretches from 111th to 148th street.
Empire Bins have already been placed at many of Columbia Residential’s properties, beginning with those on 111th, 112th, and 113th Streets between Broadway and Amsterdam. Bin placements will continue to roll out throughout the Manhattan Community Board District 9 neighborhood in the coming weeks.
The move to Empire Bins does not change the waste disposal process for Columbia Residential tenants. Tenants should continue to dispose of trash in their building’s specified containers. Empire Bins will be available only via swipe card to the Columbia University Facilities and Operations staff responsible for building maintenance, such as porters and building superintendents.
