Rollout Schedule of NYC Commercial Waste Zones

The rollout of NYC’s commercial waste zones will begin in Fall 24. Ensure that your business is covered by the right hauler in your zone by staying up to date with the schedule here and learning about how this phased approach will benefit you.

In 2024, New York’s Commercial Waste Zone program will be rolled out across the 5 boroughs of the city. This means that your business needs to be ready to sign a new waste management contract with one of the haulers allocated to your zone. Explore our guide to the rollout schedule here and take note of the dates that apply to you.

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Latest Update

As of April 23, 2025, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced the rollout schedule for the Bronx East and Bronx West Commercial Waste Zones. Businesses in these zones are required to sign a written service agreement with an authorized CWZ carter between October 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025. After November 30, only authorized carters will be permitted to operate in these zones.

This marks the second phase of the CWZ program, following the implementation in Queens Central in January 2025. DSNY plans to implement the remaining zones in phases, with full citywide implementation expected by the end of 2027.

Understanding the Commercial Waste Zones Initiative

The Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program has its foundations in Local Law 199, passed in November 2019, as part of new efforts to reform the city’s commercial waste collection systems. Historically, NYC’s city’s commercial waste industry was fragmented and unfit for purpose, with multiple private carting companies servicing different businesses across the city. This created inefficient routes, increased vehicle emissions, and heightened risks for pedestrians and workers.

The new zoning system aims to solve these issues by assigning specific carters to defined geographic zones. This means that New York City is now split into 20 Commercial Waste Zones, each served by no more than three carting companies. You can quickly and easily find your zone using DSNY’s CMZ map here.

Ultimately, the new system aims to improve the efficiency of commercial waste collection while also bringing significant environmental and safety benefits. For example, the carting companies that operate in these zones will be expected to meet strict safety and sustainability standards.

Additionally, NYC’s Commercial Waste Zone bill will also introduce a rate cap system, ensuring that businesses are charged a fair and maximum price for services, protecting them from price gouging and other opaque pricing systems.

The Rollout Schedule — Key Phases

Phase 1: Queens Central (Implemented January 2025)

The CWZ program commenced with the Queens Central zone, encompassing neighborhoods such as Corona, Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. Businesses in this zone were required to transition to authorized carters between September 3, 2024, and January 2, 2025.

Phase 2: Bronx East and Bronx West (October–November 2025)

The next phase includes the Bronx East and Bronx West zones. Businesses in these areas must sign contracts with authorized carters between October 1 and November 30, 2025. Post-November 30, only authorized carters will be allowed to operate in these zones.

Future Phases: 2026–2027

DSNY intends to roll out the remaining 17 zones in a staggered timeline, providing at least six months’ notice before each phase. The full citywide implementation is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2027.

The rollout schedule will be announced in phases, with the following dates set as of this time.

Prepare Your Business for Upcoming CWZ Rollouts

With the Bronx East and Bronx West zones set for implementation between October 1 and November 30, 2025, it’s crucial for businesses to act soon. RTS has years of experience providing sustainable and competitive commercial waste collection in NYC and is already well-placed to optimize waste collection for your business in the following zones:

Bronx West
Upper Manhattan
Queens Southeast
City-wide Containerized

Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact our team today to ensure your waste management services are compliant and optimized for your specific zone.

Benefits of a Structured Rollout Schedule

A structured rollout for the new system has numerous benefits for businesses looking to boost the sustainability and efficiency of NYC’s commercial waste management systems. Below we look at some of the most important points.

Minimizes Disruptions to Businesses
A gradual, structured rollout ensures that businesses have sufficient time to adapt to the new system. Rather than implementing the changes all at once, the phased approach provides businesses with the opportunity to understand the new zone-based system, prepare for changes in service providers, and make informed decisions about waste management contracts.
Allows for Incremental Improvements
By rolling out the program in phases, the city can evaluate each step of the process and make adjustments as needed. This allows for the identification of any potential issues or inefficiencies in the early zones before expanding the program citywide. As each phase is completed, the city can apply lessons learned to improve the overall performance of the CWZ program, ensuring that it meets its goals of sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Enhances Coordination Between Stakeholders
A structured rollout allows for better coordination between all parties involved, including the Business Integrity Commission (BIC), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), private carters, and businesses. This means that stakeholders can collaborate effectively to ensure that everyone is aligned with the new regulations, service requirements, and sustainability goals.
Ensures Fair and Competitive Pricing
The phased rollout provides an opportunity to assess and regulate pricing structures within each zone. By introducing rate caps and monitoring carters’ pricing practices, the city can ensure that businesses are charged fair and competitive rates for waste collection services.
Reduces Overall Operational and Environmental Impact
Instead of implementing the CWZ program citywide, a step-by-step approach helps carters optimize their routes within their assigned zones progressively. This has the potential to lead to fewer trucks on the road, reduced traffic, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a significant decrease in the city’s reliance on landfills.