Intro 544 would create a graduated fine-scale to hold large-scale landlords accountable for dumping violations:
NEW YORK: Buildings are responsible for adequately containerizing their waste. The system of sanitation fines for improper containerization does not consider the violator’s size. At the June 16 Stated Meeting of the New York City Council, Council Member Chi Osse will introduce a bill to adjust fines to correspond with the size of the landlord or management company committing these violations.
“Improper containerization of trash is an issue that plagues my district and a large part of our City,” said Council Member Chi Osse. “When the trash is not properly containerized, especially trash from large apartment complexes, litter is scattered all over the sidewalk. This is not only an aesthetic nuisance – it is unsanitary and attracts rodents. Currently, the penalty for improper waste containerization ranges from $50 to $200 and does not consider the property’s size. This is pocket change for buildings with management companies and big landlords, not a lesson learned to deter one from engaging in improper behaviors. To have cleaner and healthier streets, we must make sure that we truly hold bad actors accountable.”
The bill introduced today would impose a graduated sanitation violation based on the number of units in a building and the number of repeat violations. A graduated violation schedule will ensure that violators can be held accountable, that buildings are correctly containerizing trash, and streets are free of litter and rodents.
Council colleagues are invited to join Osse in passing the legislation.
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