Bins not bags: New trash rule takes effect for NYC restaurants, grocery stores & more
NEW YORK -- It was a mixed bag Tuesday morning as New York City's newest trash law took effect.
CBS New York's Zinnia Maldonado and her crew drove around to see if businesses were following the new rules.
As part of the city's war on rats, food businesses now have to put their garbage into containers.
Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bodegas and caterers must put all waste into a container with a secure lid. The rule does not apply to recyclables.
Waste has to be put on the curb one hour before closing or at least 8 p.m. Bins must also be placed out in a neat and orderly manner so there is a clear path for people to walk on the sidewalk.
Maldonado found some bins in Hell's Kitchen, but their lids weren't secure and they were surrounded by other trash bags.
She also found the Sanitation Department taking note of businesses not falling in line with the new law.
"All rats go where? Where there's food," said Frank Gabriel, who works at Mom's Kitchen and Bar along Ninth Avenue. "It gets too much trash. We got five bins, and it's still not enough. Sometimes, the garbage man comes, or the garbage trucks, they take it, but some of the trash gets spilled."
Other businesses owners said they're concerned about the cost.
"These things cost $100 each," a pizzeria manager said. "We have to spend extra money that we don't have."
Residents said they hope the new rules actually make a difference.
"I hope it works, we have a lot of rats in this neighborhood," said one Hell's Kitchen resident.
"It's an attempt. One way or another, they're still going to be there," said another.
The city says there will be a one-month grace period with virtual information sessions for business owners. Then, owners will face a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $200 for a third.
The Sanitation Department also reports it appears New Yorkers are having fewer interactions with rats, with complaints down 20% this summer.