Res. No. 1702
Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to institute a public recycling program in all of its transit facilities within New York City.
By Council Members Lappin, Yassky, Avella, Brewer, Fidler, Gerson, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Liu, Vallone Jr. and White Jr.
Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) does not provide separate recycling receptacles for paper, metals, glass and plastic, as the transit systems in cities such as Chicago, Washington, Boston, Montreal and San Francisco have done; and
Whereas, According to a press release by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), CTA partnered with the Chicago Tribune to install 285 recycling bins at 112 locations and collected over 230 tons of newspaper annually from customers to continue their efforts for a cleaner environment; and
Whereas, The MTA does perform post-collection separation which includes picking through the trash after it is collected to separate recyclables; and
Whereas, Recyclables that are mixed in with food waste and other trash before being separated can lead to higher levels of contaminated recyclables; and
Whereas, Recycling has proven to be a relatively inexpensive and
environmentally sound way to reduce waste; and
Whereas, New York City has implemented curbside recycling programs throughout many communities in the five boroughs; and
Whereas, These programs include the collection of newspapers, magazines, corrugated boxes, metal and glass and the residents within these communities have been active and enthusiastic participants; and
Whereas, At present, thousands of newspapers and other recyclables are disposed of in regular receptacle bins containing trash in subway stations throughout the City everyday as commuters leave their trains; and
Whereas, Creating a separate recycling program for discarded newspapers and other recyclables in subway stations would further reduce the City's waste stream; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to institute a public recycling program in all of its transit facilities within New York City.
LS# 4982
PM
10/27/08