Int. No. 1574-A

By Council Members Reynoso, the Speaker (Council Member Johnson), Lander, Chin, Brannan, Ayala, Levin, Rosenthal, Lancman, Constantinides, Powers, Kallos, Levine, Richards, Salamanca, Menchaca, Van Bramer, Rivera, Espinal, Dromm, Cohen, Rodriguez, Ampry-Samuel, Perkins, Treyger, Eugene, Rose, Adams and the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams)

A Local Law to amend the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of commercial waste zones, and to repeal sections 16-523 and 16-524 of such code, relating to a pilot of special trade waste removal districts

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative purpose. The Council hereby finds that the current system for collecting commercial waste from the City’s businesses is plagued by dangerous driving and insufficient attention to public safety, harmful environmental impacts, and poor customer service. Since 2010, private waste collection trucks have killed dozens of people on New York City streets. Long, inefficient routes can take 12 hours or more to finish and can lead to driver fatigue and unsafe practices, endangering workers and the public.

The Council further finds that private carters often have customers throughout the five boroughs, currently resulting in millions of excess truck miles driven every year that harm the City’s air quality, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and negatively impact public health. The current system also creates noise pollution within the City’s neighborhoods, as dozens of private waste collection trucks may visit a single block in the course of one night. The industry lacks strong customer service standards, and pricing remains opaque to most customers, putting small businesses at a significant disadvantage. 

The Council finds that substantial reform of the commercial waste industry is necessary to protect public health and safety, and to improve the industry for the benefit of its customers. According to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, refuse and recycling collectors have one of the top five most dangerous jobs in the United States, and the Council finds that the safety risks inherent to private carting are exacerbated in New York City, where vehicles must navigate narrow, highly congested streets in variable traffic and weather conditions. The Council finds that a commercial waste zone system, where the City selects private carters through a competitive process, will result in a carting industry where carters are required to operate more responsibly and adequately train workers on the unique challenges of collecting commercial waste in New York City, leading to safer practices and safer streets.

The Council further finds that establishing a commercial waste zone collection system within the City would dramatically reduce truck traffic associated with this industry - by 50 percent, eliminating more than 18 million miles of truck traffic from New York City streets every year. With fewer miles traveled and fewer trucks on the streets, a zoned collection system will reduce incentives for unsafe working conditions, reduce the risks of unsafe driving behavior and worker fatigue, and make the City safer for all New Yorkers.

The Council further finds that the reduction in traffic resulting from a regulated zoned collection system would lead to commensurate reductions of air pollutant emissions, including greenhouse gases, particulate matter and other air pollutants, and would lead to less nighttime noise, less roadway wear and tear, and improved quality of life in neighborhoods across New York City. The Council further finds that reducing the number of private carters operating within each of the City’s neighborhoods and selecting carters through a competitive solicitation process will allow the City to ensure that private carters collect waste more efficiently, offer high quality waste collection services, and advance the City’s efforts to reduce waste disposal and increase recycling.

                     The Council therefore finds and declares that commercial waste reform in New York City is necessary to promote the public health, safety and welfare of all New Yorkers. Therefore, the Council intends to authorize the commissioner of sanitation to establish commercial waste collection zones by dividing the City’s geographic area into several zones and authorizing a small number of private carters to serve businesses within each zone through a competitive solicitation process. The application of this local law will create a safe and efficient collection system that provides high quality service, and reduces the harmful environmental impacts of the trade waste industry in New York City.

§ 2. Section 753 of the New York city charter is amended by adding a new subdivision e to read as follows:

e. Except as otherwise authorized by section 16-1020 of the administrative code, the commissioner shall have the powers and duties set forth in this subdivision.

1. The commissioner, in the performance of his or her powers and duties pursuant to paragraph 2 of this subdivision and title 16-B of the administrative code, shall be authorized to receive complaints, conduct investigations, hold public and private hearings, administer oaths, take testimony, serve subpoenas, receive evidence, issue orders, and mediate disputes.

2. The commissioner shall have the power and duty to regulate the conduct of businesses authorized to collect commercial waste in commercial waste zones pursuant to title 16-B of the administrative code and any other applicable law, including but not limited to, the power and duty to establish and enforce:

(a) environmental, safety and health standards;

(b) standards for service;

(c) requirements regarding contracts for commercial waste removal;

(d) requirements regarding billing forms and procedures;

(e) requirements regarding the maintenance and inspection of records;

(f) requirements regarding the maintenance of appropriate insurance; and

(g) requirements established in furtherance of the goals of reducing waste and promoting sustainability, safety and efficiency in the commercial waste zone system.

3. The commissioner shall have the power and duty to establish programs for the education of the public and commercial establishments regarding the commercial waste zone system established pursuant to title 16-B of the administrative code.

§ 3. Subdivision a of section 2101 of the New York city charter, as amended by local law number 21 for the year 2002, is amended to read as follows:

a. The business integrity commission shall be responsible for the regulation of the trade waste industry, the shipboard gambling industry, the fulton fish market distribution area and other seafood distribution areas and the public wholesale markets. In regulating such industries, areas and markets, the commission shall have the powers and duties conferred by this chapter and such other powers and duties as are conferred by law, except as provided by title 16-B of the administrative code and the local law that added such title.

§ 4. Subdivision a of section 16-116 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as amended by local law number 42 for the year 1996, is amended to read as follows:

§16-116Removal of commercial waste; posting of sign, registration number. a. 1. Every owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment shall provide for the removal of waste by a business licensed by the New York city [trade waste] business integrity commission as required by subdivision a of section 16-505 of this code or register and obtain a registration number from the New York city [trade waste] business integrity commission as required by subdivision b of section 16-505 of this code to remove its own waste except as provided in subdivision c of this section, however nothing contained herein shall preclude the commissioner from providing for the removal of waste from any commercial establishment pursuant to the authority vested in the commissioner by section seven hundred fifty-three of the charter[; provided, further, that every].

2. No later than the applicable final implementation date set forth in the rules of the department pursuant to subdivision e of section 16-1002, each owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment [that is located in a special trade waste removal district designated by the New York city trade waste commission pursuant to section 16-523 of this code, except for an owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment who has registered with the New York city trade waste commission as required by subdivision b of section 16-505 of this code and except as otherwise provided by subdivision g of section 16-523 of this code,] shall [provide] contract with an awardee selected by the department for the zone in which such establishment is located for the removal of commercial waste only by a [licensee with whom such commission has entered into an agreement pursuant to subdivision b of such section] designated carter pursuant to the agreement entered into between such awardee and the department pursuant to title 16-B, as such terms are defined in section 16-1000, in accordance with the provisions of such title and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto, except as otherwise provided by such title, provided however, that an owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment may contract for the removal of containerized commercial waste, as such term is defined in section 16-1000, with either an awardee selected for such zone or with an awardee selected for the removal of containerized commercial waste citywide pursuant to title 16-B, in accordance with the provisions of such title and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

§ 5. Subdivision b of section 16-306 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as amended by local law number 32 for the year 2010, is amended to read as follows:

b. 1. The rules promulgated pursuant to subdivision a of this section shall require that generators of waste collected by businesses required to be licensed pursuant to section 16-505 of this code source separate the designated materials in such manner and to such extent as the commissioner determines to be necessary to minimize contamination and maximize the marketability of such materials. However, in promulgating such rules the commissioner shall not require source separation of a material unless the commissioner has determined that an economic market exists for such material. For the purpose of this section, the term "economic market" refers to instances in which the full avoided costs of proper collection, transportation and disposal of source separated materials are equal to or greater than the cost of collection, transportation and sale of said materials less the amount received from the sale of said materials. [The New York city business integrity commission shall adopt and implement rules requiring businesses licensed to remove, collect or dispose of trade waste to]

2. (a) Any designated carter that collects source separated designated materials in a commercial waste zone pursuant to section 16-1002 shall provide for the collection of, and ensure the continued separation of, designated materials that have been source separated, provide for the separation of all other designated materials, and provide for recycling of all the designated materials in accordance with the rules of the department and the terms of any agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 under which such designated carter is providing such service. [Rules promulgated by the business integrity commission pursuant to this subdivision shall be enforced in the manner provided in section 16-517 of this code and violations of such rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in subdivision a of section 16-515 of this code for violation of the provisions of chapter one of title 16-A of this code. In addition, the]

(b) Any person registered by the business integrity commission to remove, collect, or dispose of trade waste generated in the course of operation of such person’s business pursuant to subdivision b section 16-505 shall provide for the collection of, and ensure the continued separation of, designated materials that have been source separated, provide for the separation of all other designated materials, and provide for recycling of all the designated materials in accordance with the rules promulgated by the business integrity commission pursuant to this section and subject to the penalties provided in subdivision a of section 16-515.

3. The commissioner and the chair of the business integrity commission shall have the authority to issue notices of violation for any violation of [such rule] any rules promulgated pursuant to this section and such notices of violation shall be returnable in a civil action brought in the name of the commissioner or the chair of the business integrity commission before the environmental control board which shall impose a penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars for each such violation.

§ 6. Section 16-306 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subdivision d to read as follows:

d. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in this section shall be construed to (i) supersede, amend or eliminate any obligation of an awardee or designated carter, as such terms are defined in section 16-1000, to meet the requirements set forth in any applicable agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, or (ii) otherwise amend or supersede any term of such agreement.

§ 7. Subdivisions d through g of section 16-306.1 of the administrative code of the city of New York are relettered e through h, and paragraph 3 of subdivision c of such section, as added by local law number 146 for the year 2013, is amended to read as follows:

[3] d. Any private carter that collects source separated organic waste [from a covered establishment] shall either:

i. deliver collected organic waste to a transfer station that has represented that it will deliver such organic waste to a facility for purposes of composting, aerobic or anaerobic digestion, or any other method of processing organic waste that the department approves by rule; or

ii. deliver such organic waste directly to a facility for purposes of composting, aerobic or anaerobic digestion, or any other method of processing organic waste that the department approves by rule.

§ 8. Subdivision f of section 16-306.1 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 146 for the year 2013, and as relettered subdivision f by section 7 of this local law, is amended to read as follows:

f. The provisions of this section relating to private carters shall be enforced by the business integrity commission and the department. The provisions of this section relating to covered establishments shall be enforced by the department, the department of health and mental hygiene, and the department of consumer affairs.

§ 9. Section 16-504 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, subdivision j as added by local law number 55 for the year 2019 and subdivisions a and d as amended by a local law for the year 2019, relating to regulating the trade waste industry, as proposed in introduction number 1573 for the year 2019, is amended to read as follows:

§16-504Powers and duties. The powers and duties of the commission shall include but not be limited to:

a.To issue and establish standards for the issuance, suspension and revocation of licenses and registrations authorizing the operation of businesses engaged in the collection, removal or disposal of waste within the city and the operation of trade waste broker businesses, provided that unless otherwise provided herein, the commission may by resolution delegate to the chair the authority to make individual determinations regarding: issuance, suspension and revocation of such licenses and registrations; investigations of background and determinations of fitness in regard to employees of licensees; and the appointment of independent auditors and monitors in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

b.[To] Except with respect to commercial waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B to establish maximum and minimum rates for the collection, removal, or disposal of such waste;

c.To investigate any matter within the jurisdiction conferred by this chapter and to have full power to compel the attendance, examine and take testimony under oath of such persons as it may deem necessary in relation to such investigation, and to require the production of books, accounts, papers and other evidence relevant to such investigation;

d. To establish and enforce standards for service and for the regulation and conduct of businesses licensed or registered pursuant to this chapter, including but not limited to (i) requirements governing the level of service to be provided by licensees, (ii) contracts for trade waste removal, (iii) billing form and procedures, (iv) the maintenance and inspection of records, (v) the maintenance of appropriate insurance, and (vi) environmental, safety and health standards, including but not limited to traffic safety requirements and environmental and safety requirements for vehicles used in the collection, removal, transportation or disposal of trade waste; provided that with respect to commercial waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B, the authority set forth in this subdivision shall be limited to regulation and conduct of licensees with regard to character, honesty and integrity;

e.To appoint, within the appropriations available therefor, such employees as may be required for the performance of the duties prescribed herein. In addition to such employees appointed by the commission, the commissioners of business services, investigation, consumer affairs, transportation, sanitation, health, finance, environmental protection and police may, at the request of the chair, provide staff and other assistance to the commission in all matters under its jurisdiction;

f.To conduct studies or investigations into the needs of commercial and other enterprises for waste removal and the trade waste industry in the city and other jurisdictions in order to assist the city in formulating policies to provide for orderly and efficient trade waste removal at a fair and reasonable cost to businesses;

g. To establish, in coordination with the department of sanitation, programs for the education of customers, including but not limited to education of customers in the accurate assessment of the types and volume of waste and the rights of such customers in relationship to contracting, service and customer complaint procedures established pursuant to this chapter;

[h.To establish special trade waste removal districts pursuant to section 16-523 of this chapter; and

i.] h.To establish fees and promulgate rules as the commission may deem necessary and appropriate to effect the purposes and provisions of this chapter[.]; and

[j.] i. To issue and establish standards for the registration of labor unions or labor organizations representing or seeking to represent employees directly involved in the collection, removal, transportation or disposal of trade waste and for suspending or disqualifying officers of such unions or organizations.

§ 10. Section 16-509 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subdivision l to read as follows:

l. The commission may refuse to issue a license to an applicant when such applicant has been found to have violated any provision of title 16-B or any rules promulgated pursuant thereto or the terms of any applicable agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 or any provision of 16-306 or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto.

§ 11. Section 16-513 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, and subdivision a as amended by a local law for the year 2019, relating to regulating the trade waste industry, as proposed in introduction number 1573 for the year 2019, is amended to read as follows:

§ 16-513 Revocation or suspension of license or registration. a. In addition to the penalties provided in section 16-515 of this chapter, the commission may, after due notice and opportunity to be heard, revoke or suspend a license or registration issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter when the registrant or licensee and/or  its  principals, employees and/or agents: (i) have been found to be in violation of this chapter or any rules promulgated pursuant thereto; (ii) have been found by a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction to have violated: (A) any provision of section 16-119 of this code, or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, relating to illegal dumping, (B) any provision of section 16-120.1 of this code, or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, relating to the disposal of regulated medical waste and other medical waste or (C) any provision of section 16-117.1 of this code, or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, relating to the collection, removal, transportation or disposal of waste containing asbestos; (iii) has repeatedly failed to obey lawful orders of any person authorized by section 16-517 of this chapter to enforce the provisions hereof; (iv) has failed to pay, within the time specified by a court, the department of consumer affairs or an  administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction, any fines or civil penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter or the rules promulgated pursuant thereto; (v) has been found in persistent or substantial violation of  any rule promulgated by the commission pursuant to section 16-306 of this code or by  the commissioner of consumer affairs pursuant to section 16-306 or former subchapter eighteen of title twenty of this code; (vi) has been found in persistent or substantial violation of any city, state, or federal  law, rule  or  regulation  regarding the collection, removal, transportation or disposal of trade waste, or any laws prohibiting deceptive, unfair or unconscionable trade practices; (vii) whenever, in relation to an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter, the commission determines, after consideration of the factors set forth in subdivision a of section 16-509 of this code, that the licensee or registrant lacks good character, honesty and integrity; (viii) whenever there has been any false statement or any misrepresentation as to a material fact in the application or accompanying papers upon which the issuance of such license or registration was based; (ix) whenever the licensee or registrant has failed to notify the commission as required by subdivision b of section 16-507 or subdivision c of section 16-508 of this chapter of any change in the ownership interest of the business or other material change in the information required on the application for such license or registration, or of the arrest or criminal conviction of such licensee or registrant or any of his or her principals, employees and/or agents of which the licensee had knowledge or should have known; (x) whenever the licensee or registrant has been found by the commission or a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of the provisions of section 24-163.11 of the code, or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto; (xi) whenever the licensee or registrant has been found by the commission or a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of the provisions of section 16-526 of the code, or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto; [or] (xii) while engaged in any activity regulated by this chapter or title 16-b, have been found to be in violation of any city, state or federal law, rule or regulation relating to the safety of the general public, including but not limited to traffic safety, or relating to the collection, removal, transportation or disposal of trade waste in a safe manner; or (xiii) whenever the licensee or registrant has been found by the commission or a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of any provision of title 16-B or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto or the terms of any applicable agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, or has failed to pay, within the time specified by a court or an  administrative  tribunal  of  competent jurisdiction, any fines or civil  penalties  imposed  pursuant  to such title or the rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

b.[The] Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission shall, in addition[: (1)], (i) suspend a license issued pursuant to this chapter for thirty days following determination that the licensee, or any of its principals, employees or agents has violated [subdivision a of section 16-524 of this chapter] any provision of section 16-1003 or 16-1004[;] and [(2)](ii) revoke a license issued pursuant to this chapter upon determination that the licensee, or any of its principals, employees or agents has violated [subdivision a of section 16-524 of this chapter] any provision of section 16-1003 or 16-1004 two times within a period of three years.

§ 12. Subdivisions b and e of section 16-515 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, are amended to read as follows:

b.(i)Any person who violates subdivision a of section 16-505 [or section 16-524] of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished for each violation by a criminal fine of not more than ten thousand dollars for each day of such violation or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both; and any such person shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each day of such violation to be recovered in a civil action or returnable to the department of consumer affairs or other administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction; and

e.(i)In addition to any other penalty prescribed in this section for the violation of subdivisions a or b of section 16-505 [or subdivision a of section 16-524] of this chapter, or when there have been three or more violations within a three year period of the provisions herein, the commission shall, after notice and the opportunity to be heard, be authorized: to order any person in violation of such provisions immediately to discontinue the operation of such activity at the premises from which such activity is operated; to order that any premises from which activity in violation of such provisions is operated shall be sealed, provided that such premises are used primarily for such activity; and to order that any vehicles or other devices or instrumentalities utilized in the violation of such provisions shall be removed, sealed, or otherwise made inoperable. An order pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted at the premises from which activity in violation of such provisions occurs.

(ii) Ten days after the posting of an order issued pursuant to paragraph (i) of this subdivision, this order may be enforced by any person so authorized by section 16-517 of this chapter.

(iii) Any vehicle or other device or instrumentality removed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be stored in a garage, pound or other place of safety and the owner or other person lawfully entitled to the possession of such item may be charged with reasonable costs for removal and storage payable prior to the release of such item.

(iv)A premise ordered sealed or a vehicle or other device or instrumentality removed pursuant to this section shall be unsealed or released upon payment of all outstanding fines and all reasonable costs for removal and storage and, where the underlying violation is for unlicensed or unregistered activity [or unauthorized activity in a special trade waste district], demonstration that a license has been obtained or a business registered or proof satisfactory to the commission that such premise or item will not be used in violation of subdivision a or b of section 16-505 [or subdivision a of section 16-524] of this chapter.

(v) It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to remove the seal from any premises or remove the seal from or make operable any vehicle or other device or instrumentality sealed or otherwise made inoperable in accordance with an order of the commission.

(vi) A vehicle or other device or instrumentality removed pursuant to this section that is not reclaimed within ninety days of such removal by the owner or other person lawfully entitled to reclaim such item shall be subject to forfeiture upon notice and judicial determination in accordance with provisions of law. Upon forfeiture, the commission shall, upon a public notice of at least five days, sell such item at public sale. The net proceeds of such sale, after deduction of the lawful expenses incurred, shall be paid into the general fund of the city.

§ 13. Section 16-519 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, is amended to read as follows:

§16-519Rate fixing; hearings and production of records. [The] Except with respect to commercial waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B, the commission shall have the power to fix by rule and from time to time refix maximum and minimum rates, fixed according to weight or volume of trade waste, for the removal of waste by a licensee, which rates shall be based upon a fair and reasonable return to the licensees and shall protect those using the services of such licensees from excessive or unreasonable charges. The commission may compel the attendance at a public hearing held pursuant to a rate-fixing rule-making of licensees and other persons having information in their possession in regard to the subject matter of such hearing and may compel the production of books and records in relation thereto, and may require licensees to file with the commission schedules of rates.

§ 14. Section 16-520 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, and subdivision d as amended by a local law for the year 2019, relating to regulating the trade waste industry, as proposed in introduction number 1573 for the year 2019, is amended to read as follows:

§16-520Conduct by licensees of trade waste collection, removal or disposal. a. Every licensee pursuant to this chapter shall provide to every recipient of its services a sign which the licensee shall obtain from the commission. In addition to the information printed on the sign by the commission, the licensee shall print the day and approximate time of pickup clearly and legibly on the sign. Such sign shall be conspicuously posted as prescribed in section 16-116(b) of this code by the owner, lessee or person in control of the commercial establishment which receives the licensee's services.

b.[Except as otherwise provided in subdivision d of section 16-523, a] A licensee shall not charge, exact or accept rates for the collection, removal or disposal of trade waste any amount greater than any maximum rates or less than any minimum rates that the commission may fix pursuant to section 16-519 of this chapter.

c.All licensees shall maintain audited financial statements, records, ledgers, receipts, bills and such other written records as the commission determines are necessary or useful for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Such records shall be maintained for a period of time not to exceed five years to be determined by rule by the commission, provided however, that such rule may provide that the commission may, in specific instances at its discretion, require that records be retained for a period of time exceeding five years. Such records shall be made available for inspection and audit by the commission at its request at either the licensee's place of business or at the offices of the commission.

d.A licensee shall be in compliance with all applicable state, federal and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the collection, removal or disposal of trade waste, the maintenance, inspection and operation of vehicles that collect, remove, transport or dispose of trade waste and, while engaged in any activity regulated by this chapter, the safety of the general public, including but not limited to traffic safety.

e.(i)A contract for the collection, removal or disposal of trade waste shall not exceed two years in duration. All such contracts shall be approved as to form by the commission.

(ii)An assignee of contracts for the removal, collection or disposal of trade waste shall notify each party to a contract so assigned of such assignment and of the right of such party to terminate such contract within three months of receiving notice of such assignment upon thirty days’ notice. Such notification shall be by certified mail with the receipt of delivery thereof retained by the assignee and shall be upon a form prescribed by the commission. Where no written contract exists with a customer for the removal, collection or disposal of trade waste, a company that assumes such trade waste removal from another company shall provide such customer with notice that a new company will be providing such trade waste removal and that the customer has the right to terminate such service. Such notice shall be by certified mail with the receipt of delivery thereof retained by the assignee.

f.A licensee shall bill commercial establishments for removal, collection or disposal of trade waste in a form and manner to be prescribed by the commission.

g.A licensee shall not refuse to provide service to a commercial establishment that is located within an area of ten blocks from an establishment served by such licensee unless such licensee has demonstrated to the commission a lack of capacity or other business justification for the licensee's refusal to service such establishment. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "block" shall mean the area of a street spanning from one intersection to the next.

h.A licensee shall provide to the commission the names of any employees proposed to be hired or hired subsequent to the issuance of a license and such information regarding such employees as is required in regard to employees and prospective employees pursuant to subdivision a of section 16-508 of this chapter.

i.A licensee who provides services for a commercial establishment shall keep the sidewalk, flagging, curbstone and roadway abutting such establishment free from obstruction, garbage, refuse, litter, debris and other offensive material resulting from the removal by the licensee of trade waste.

j.(i)No licensee or principal thereof shall be a member or hold a position in any trade association: (aa) where such association, or a predecessor thereof as determined by the commission, has violated state or federal antitrust statutes or regulations, or has been convicted of a racketeering activity or similar crime, including but not limited to the offenses listed in subdivision one of section nineteen hundred sixty-one of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute (18 U.S.C. §1961 et seq.) or an offense listed in subdivision one of section 460.10 of the penal law, as such statutes may be amended from time to time; (bb) where a person holding a position in such trade association, or a predecessor thereof as determined by the commission, has violated state or federal antitrust statutes or regulations, or has been convicted of a racketeering activity or similar crime, including but not limited to the offenses listed in subdivision one of section nineteen hundred sixty-one of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute (18 U.S.C. §1961 et seq.) or an offense listed in subdivision one of section 460.10 of the penal law, as such statutes may be amended from time to time; (cc) where a person holding a position in such trade association, or a predecessor thereof as determined by the commission, is a member or associate of an organized crime group as identified by a federal, state or city law enforcement or investigative agency; or (dd) where the trade association has failed to cooperate fully with the commission in connection with any investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter. The commission may determine, for purposes of this subdivision, that a trade association is a predecessor of another such trade association by finding that transfers of assets have been made between them or that all or substantially all of the persons holding positions in the two associations are the same. A licensee shall be in violation of this paragraph when the licensee knows or should know of a violation, conviction, association with organized crime or failure to cooperate set forth herein.

(ii)Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (i) of this subdivision, the commission may permit a licensee to be a member of such a trade association upon a determination by the commission that such association does not operate in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter.

k. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of subdivisions a, b, e, f, g and i of this section and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto shall not apply with regard to the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste in commercial waste zones established pursuant to title 16-B.

§ 15. Section 16-522 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 42 for the year 1996, is amended to read as follows:

§16-522Investigation of customer complaints. The commission shall by rule establish a procedure for the investigation and resolution of complaints by commercial establishments regarding overcharging and other problems relating to the collection, removal or disposal of waste. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this section and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto shall not apply with regard to the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste in commercial waste zones established pursuant to title 16-B.

§ 16. Sections 16-523 and 16-524 of the administrative code of the city of New York and section 12 of local law number 42 for the year 1996 are REPEALED.

§ 17. Subdivision c of section 16-526 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 56 for the year 2015, is amended to read as follows:

c. Enforcement. 1. Any owner or operator of a trade waste hauling vehicle that violates any provision of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of ten thousand dollars per vehicle that is in violation, returnable to the office of administrative trials and hearings, pursuant to section 1049-a of the charter. Each notice of violation shall contain an order of the chair of the commission directing the respondent to correct the condition constituting the violation and to file with the commission electronically, or in such other manner as the commission shall authorize, a certification that the condition has been corrected within thirty days from the date of the order. In addition to such civil penalty, a separate additional penalty may be imposed of not more than five hundred dollars for each day that the violation is not corrected beyond thirty days from such order.

2. For the purposes of this section, if the office of administrative trials and hearings, pursuant to section 1049-a of the charter, finds that a certification of correction filed pursuant to this subdivision contained material false statements relating to the correction of a violation, such certification of correction shall be null and void, in addition to or as an alternative to any other penalties provided by law. It shall be an affirmative defense that the respondent neither knew nor should have known that such statements were false.

3. The commission shall have the authority to promulgate rules requiring the installation of side guards that are to be fit to the side of any trade waste hauling vehicle, and may establish rules establishing side guard specifications that depart from the default specifications outlined in subdivision a of this section when such departure is deemed necessary by the commission. The commission may further promulgate any rules necessary to enforce the provisions of this section, including but not limited to establishing procedures for owners and operators of trade waste hauling vehicles to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section.

4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to any vehicle that may be used to collect, remove or dispose of waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B, the commissioner of sanitation shall have all powers and duties of the commission as set forth in this section.

§ 18. The administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new title 16-B to read as follows:

TITLE 16-B COMMERCIAL WASTE ZONES

CHAPTER 1

COMMERCIAL WASTE ZONES

§ 16-1000. Definitions. As used in this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Awardee. The term “awardee” means an entity with whom the department enters into an agreement for the provision of commercial waste collection services pursuant to section 16-1002.

Bicycle. The term “bicycle” means: (i) a two or three wheeled device upon which a person or persons may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, a chain or gears; (ii) a “pedal-assist bicycle” as defined in section 4-01 of title 34 of the rules of the city of New York or as otherwise defined by the department of transportation; or (iii) any other device upon which a person or persons may ride, as defined by the rules of the department. 

Broker. The term “broker” or “trade waste broker” has the same meaning as such term is defined in subdivision g of section 16-501.

Change in control. The term “change in control” means the assignment of an awardee’s agreement with the department entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 from such awardee to a different entity. The effective date of a change in control shall be the date of such assignment.

Commercial waste. The term “commercial waste” means all trade waste, as defined in subdivision f of section 16-501, except for construction and demolition debris; fill material; medical waste; electronic waste; textiles; yard waste collected by landscapers; waste collected by a one-time, on-call bulk waste removal service; grease; paper that is collected for the purpose of shredding or destruction; or waste that is collected by a micro-hauler. References to “commercial waste” in this title shall be construed to also refer to “containerized commercial waste” unless otherwise specified.

Commercial waste zone. The term “commercial waste zone” or “zone” means a geographic area designated by the commissioner pursuant to section 16-1001.

Commissioner. The term “commissioner” means the commissioner of sanitation.

Containerized commercial waste. The term “containerized commercial waste” means commercial waste that: (i) is stored on the premises of the commercial establishment that generates such waste in a container that has a capacity of 10 cubic yards or more, and which may or may not be equipped with compaction ability and (ii) is transported directly in such container when such container is at or near capacity from such commercial establishment to a transfer, processing or disposal location.

Department. The term “department” means the department of sanitation.

Designated carter. The term “designated carter” or “carter” means a licensee that is authorized to provide commercial waste collection services pursuant to an agreement between an awardee and the department entered into pursuant to section 16-1002. The term “designated carter” may describe the awardee or another licensee that the awardee has designated to fulfill the terms of such agreement as specified therein, and provided further that notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the term “designated carter” may also include a person that the awardee has designated to fulfill the terms of such agreement as specified therein who is operating in accordance with the provisions of title 16-A and the rules promulgated pursuant to such title and who is authorized by the business integrity commission to collect certain categories of commercial waste without a license. 

Eligible employee. The term “eligible employee” means any person employed in the city of New York by an awardee to perform services under an agreement entered into between the department and such awardee pursuant to section 16-1002, and who has been employed by such awardee for a period of at least six months prior to the effective date of a change in control, provided that such term shall not include persons who are managerial, supervisory or confidential employees.

Global Positioning System The term “global positioning system” or “GPS” means a global positioning system, or a comparable location tracking technology, that uses navigational satellites to determine a user’s location and velocity in real time and is capable of collecting, storing and transmitting geographical data.

Incumbent employer. The term “incumbent employer” means any person that owns or controls an awardee prior to any change in control.

Licensee. The term “licensee” means any person licensed to collect trade waste pursuant to title 16-A.

Micro-hauler. The term “micro-hauler” means any person that is not a designated carter, does not dispose of waste at a solid waste transfer station and either:

(1) collects less than 2600 tons of source separated organic waste from commercial establishments per year and collects such waste exclusively using bicycles; or

(2) collects less than 500 tons of source separated organic waste from commercial establishments per year and collects such waste using exclusively (i) a zero emissions vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 14,000 pounds or (ii) any other mode of transport specified in the rules of the department.

Organic waste. The term “organic waste” has the same meaning as such term is defined in subdivision a of section 16-306.1.

                     Successor employer. The term “successor employer” means any person that owns or controls an awardee after any change in control.

Trade waste. The term “trade waste” has the same meaning as such term is defined in subdivision f of section 16-501.

 Transitional employment period. The term “transitional employment period” means a 90 day period beginning upon the effective date of a change in control of an awardee.

§ 16-1001 Commercial waste zones; designation. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no later than 120 days after the effective date of the local law that added this section, the commissioner shall divide the geographic area of New York city into no less than twenty commercial waste zones. The commissioner may amend the boundaries of such zones or establish additional zones as deemed appropriate by the commissioner and consistent with the purposes of this title. In establishing such commercial waste zones, the commissioner may consider:

1.The number and types of commercial establishments within the proposed zone;

2.The amount and types of waste generated by commercial establishments within the proposed zone and the potential for achieving the city’s commercial waste reduction goals;

3.Existing service patterns within the proposed zone and the potential for traffic and noise reduction;

4.The types and estimated amounts of recyclable materials generated by commercial establishments within the proposed zone that are required to be recycled, reused or sold for reuse pursuant to section 16-306 and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto;

5. The estimated amount of organic waste collected within the proposed zone;

6. The rates being charged by persons licensed pursuant to title 16-A to commercial establishments within the proposed zone;

7.The history of complaints concerning commercial waste collection from commercial establishments within the proposed zone; and

8. Any other information or criteria the commissioner deems relevant.

§ 16-1002 Agreements. a. For each area designated as a commercial waste zone pursuant to section 16-1001, the department shall be authorized to select and to enter into agreements with  no more than three awardees per zone, permitting each awardee to provide for the collection, transport and removal of commercial waste within such zone as set forth in such agreement. The department shall be further authorized to select and enter into agreements with no more than five awardees permitting each awardee to provide for the collection, transport and removal of containerized commercial waste from any commercial establishment within the city of New York as set forth in such agreement. The department shall only enter into an agreement pursuant to this subdivision with an awardee that has obtained a license issued by the business integrity commission pursuant to subdivision a of section 16-505 on or before the date of such agreement. A proposer that responds to the request for proposals authorized pursuant to subdivision b of this section that does not hold such a license at the time a proposal is submitted pursuant to this section must submit an application for such a license to the business integrity commission no later than the date such proposal is submitted to the department. The initial term of any such agreement shall include authorization to collect, transport and remove commercial waste for ten years in each zone covered by such agreement. The department shall have the option, at its sole discretion, to renew any such agreement for no more than two additional terms of no more than five years each, provided that prior to the expiration of any agreement entered into pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall provide the awardee with adequate written notice of whether it intends to renew such agreement. The department shall not enter into any such agreement with an awardee that results in such awardee providing services in more than fifteen commercial waste zones, provided that any agreement to provide for the collection, transport and removal of containerized commercial waste citywide shall not count toward such limit.

b. No later than one year after the effective date of the local law that added this section, the department shall issue one or more requests for proposals to conduct commercial waste removal in a commercial waste zone and to collect containerized commercial waste citywide and, based upon the review and evaluation of responses thereto, may negotiate and enter into such agreements pursuant to subdivision a of this section, as the department, in its discretion, determines will best provide for the efficient and orderly removal of commercial waste, consistent with the provisions of this title. Whenever necessary to ensure the ongoing efficient and  orderly removal of commercial waste, the department may issue additional requests for proposals and, based upon the review and evaluation of responses thereto, may negotiate and enter into agreements in accordance with the provisions of this section. Any requests for proposals issued pursuant to this subdivision shall solicit information regarding the qualifications of proposers. Where a proposer intends to arrange for designated carters other than the proposer to provide all or some portion of the services requested, such proposal shall provide the requested information with respect to each designated carter being proposed. When evaluating proposals pursuant to the procedures described in this subdivision, the department shall consider the following factors:

1. The rate or rates to be charged to establishments for such services, including the proposer’s commitment to providing lower rates for organics and recycling collection than for refuse collection services, the proposer’s plan for covering costs of third party waste audits, and any extra service fees or supplemental charges the proposer plans on including in the pricing structure, except that in the case of a proposal to provide for the collection, transport and removal of containerized commercial waste citywide, a description of the proposer’s commitment to providing lower rates for organics and recycling collection shall only be required where such proposal includes organics or recycling collection, transport and removal services;

2. The nature and frequency of the commercial waste removal services to be provided and the proposer’s plan for ensuring that the proposer has the ability and adequate capacity to provide such services within the zone, including but not limited to, a description of the proposer’s fleet and other relevant infrastructure, the proposer’s plans, if any, for the set-out of commercial waste in a matter that promotes the city’s goals of improving cleanliness, rodent mitigation, order and safety on city sidewalks, and a staffing plan to ensure continuity and safety in the delivery of services;

3. The proposer’s submission of a customer service plan detailing customer service support tools, customer service standards, a mechanism for receiving and addressing customer complaints, performance metrics or other methods of addressing customer service, and the proposer’s plan for addressing the language access needs of customers in the zone;

4. The proposer’s submission of a plan describing practices to support waste reduction, reuse and recycling among commercial establishments within the zone, such as partnerships with local organizations, waste reduction or diversion targets, plans for offering organics collection services to a broad range of establishments within the zone, customer outreach and education or other practices to further such goals;  

5. The proposer’s submission of a waste management plan describing practices for disposal of commercial waste collected, including but not limited to, a description of the transfer, processing or final disposal locations for all materials collected, and specific practices or investments designed to promote the goals of sustainability, reliability and equity in the delivery of waste management services. In evaluating waste management plans submitted by proposers pursuant to this paragraph, the commissioner shall consider: (i) the total vehicle miles expected to be traveled as a result of the proposer’s services,  including but not limited to, consideration of the proximity of such locations to the zone, as applicable; (ii) whether such commercial waste will be transported to or from a solid waste transfer station by a sustainable mode of transport, such as rail or barge; (iii) whether, after considering a solid waste transfer station’s history of compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws, the proposer’s use of such solid waste transfer station is likely to have an impact on public health or safety; and (iv) any other factors that the commissioner deems relevant to promoting the goals of sustainability, reliability and equity in the delivery of waste management services;

6. The proposer’s plan, if any, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from commercial waste vehicles, including but not limited to, any plans to: provide commercial waste collection, removal and disposal services with a fleet comprised of at least 50 percent zero emissions vehicles by 2030, or for any request for proposals issued after 2030, 100 percent zero emissions vehicles by 2040; implement operational best practices; or otherwise utilize zero emissions vehicles in the provision of commercial waste collection, removal and disposal services;

7. The proposer’s plan, if any, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through infrastructure investments, adoption of technologies or other sustainable solutions, including but not limited to, any plans to invest in sustainable facilities or infrastructure for organics and recycling processing;

8. The proposer’s submission of a health and safety plan detailing compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and specific practices to further the goals of promoting health and safety; 

9. The proposer’s history of compliance with existing federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to, laws relating to waste collection, removal and disposal, environmental protection, antitrust, consumer protection, health and safety, labor and employment, and anti-discrimination protections;

10. Submission of a plan describing the customer communication efforts the proposer intends to undertake during the transition to the commercial waste zone system and other communication efforts that will support and supplement the public outreach and education efforts of the department conducted pursuant to section 16-1010;

11.  The proposer’s plan, if any, to subcontract with any other designated carter, which shall include a description of how such subcontracting is consistent with the purposes of this chapter, including but not limited to, how such subcontracting will enhance public safety, minimize harmful environmental impacts and improve customer service;

12. The proposer’s history of operating in New York city and the proposer’s history of operating within the geographic area of each commercial waste zone for which such proposer has submitted a proposal;

13. The proposer’s financial statements, including available capital, access to credit, and physical assets, including number of available commercial waste vehicles; and

14. Any other information the department deems appropriate. 

c. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision d of this section, any agreement entered into pursuant to subdivision b of this section shall include:

1. A requirement that the awardee may not refuse commercial waste collection service to any commercial establishment within the commercial waste zone required to provide for the removal of such waste pursuant to the provisions of section 16-116, provided that such agreement may include provisions authorizing termination of service, refusal of service for good cause or setting forth other allowable measures to address default or non-payment by a commercial establishment;

2. A description of the maximum rate or rates that the awardee may charge customers for waste collection services, including any extra service fees or supplemental charges the awardee plans on including in the pricing structure, provided that extra service fees shall not be allowed for locking or unlocking gates or the rental of containers or dumpsters other than compactors and roll-offs;

3. A process by which awardees may petition the department for changes to the maximum rates described in paragraph 2 of this subdivision, which may include the opportunity for public comment, as set forth in such agreement;

4. A requirement that the awardee provide each customer with a written service agreement, which shall be negotiated between the customer and the awardee, specifying rates, standards of service and such other provisions as may be set forth in the agreement entered into between the awardee and the department pursuant to this section or as otherwise specified in the rules of the department;

5. A requirement that the awardee provide organic waste collection services to all commercial establishments that: (i) are located within the commercial waste zone for which the awardee has been awarded an agreement pursuant to this section; (ii) are not designated covered establishments pursuant to subdivision b of section 16-306.1; (iii) select such awardee for removal of commercial waste or have been assigned such awardee pursuant to paragraph 4 of subdivision e of this section; and (iv) request organic waste collection services, provided that such agreement may authorize the awardee to implement such requirement on a graduated schedule or may otherwise set forth circumstances in which such provision of such services shall not be required, consistent with the purposes of this chapter;

6. Specifications regarding the GPS devices, capable of collecting, storing and transmitting geographical data, to be installed on commercial waste vehicles, and requirements regarding periodic reporting of data collected by such devices to the department for purposes consistent with this title;   

7. Any additional reporting requirements that the department deems necessary to further the goals of this title, including but not limited to, (i) waste generation estimates or waste characterization studies; (ii) collection routes; (iii) rates charged to customers; (iv) investments in sustainable vehicles, facilities or infrastructure; (v) any warnings or violations issued from agencies for violating local, state or federal law; and (vi) workplace injuries and accidents;

8. A requirement that the awardee and any of its designated carters comply with the terms of the awardee’s air pollution and greenhouse gas emission reduction plan, if any, customer service plan, waste reduction plan, waste management plan and health and safety plan as described in subdivision b of this section;

9. A requirement that the awardee and any of its designated carters ensure that employees receive periodic training relating to health and safety, as set forth in the agreement;   

10. A requirement that the awardee and any of its designated carters comply with the provisions of this title and all other applicable laws;

11. A requirement that the awardee prepare for submission and review by the department an emergency action plan detailing procedures to be deployed in emergency situations, including but not limited to, fires, evacuations, spills or weather emergencies, and addressing continuity and restoration of service;

12. Provisions addressing contingency planning to ensure (i) the orderly transition of services to a subsequent awardee upon the conclusion of the agreement, (ii) continuity of service in the case of an awardee or any of its designated carters being unable to provide commercial waste collection services or any other default by the awardee or any of its designated carters, and (iii) continuity of service in the case of a default by another awardee or designated carter;

13. The option for the awardee to subcontract with no more than two designated carters in each zone for services in order to meet the requirements of the agreement, provided that: (i) any such designated carter must fully comply with all terms of such agreement and must be licensed by the business integrity commission or otherwise authorized to collect trade waste in accordance with the provisions of title 16-A and rules promulgated pursuant thereto; (ii) the agreement shall include a requirement that the department review and approve all contracts between the awardee and all designated carters for purposes of ensuring that the terms of such contracts are in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; and (iii) a subcontracting arrangement with a designated carter that collects waste exclusively using bicycles shall not count toward the numerical limit on designated carters as subcontractors provided in this paragraph;

14. A requirement that the awardee engage in public outreach and education efforts to address the transition to the commercial waste zone system;

15. A requirement that the awardee and any of its designated carters utilize existing programs or resources developed by the department of small business services or any other relevant agency designed to promote employment opportunities for New York city residents, where applicable and appropriate; and

16. A requirement that the awardee pay liquidated damages as deemed appropriate by the department and set forth in the agreement.

d. Paragraphs 1 and 5 of subdivision c of this section shall not apply to an agreement to provide for the collection, transport and removal containerized commercial waste citywide.

e. 1. On or after the implementation start date for a commercial waste zone, no person other than an awardee authorized to operate within such commercial waste zone pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to this section may enter into a new contract or renew an existing contract with a commercial establishment located within such zone to provide for the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste.

2. By the final implementation date for a commercial waste zone, every owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment must contract with an awardee selected for such zone in which such establishment is located for the removal of such establishment’s commercial waste by a designated carter pursuant to the terms of the agreement entered into between such awardee and the department pursuant to this section, provided however, that an owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment may, by such final implementation date, contract for the removal of containerized commercial waste with either an awardee selected for such zone or with an awardee selected for the removal of containerized commercial waste citywide pursuant to this section.

3. The commissioner shall promulgate rules setting forth an implementation start date and a final implementation date for each commercial waste zone established pursuant to section 16-1001. The commissioner may select different implementation start dates and final implementation dates for different commercial waste zones.

4. Such rules may also set forth a procedure whereby the commissioner shall assign an awardee to a commercial establishment that has failed to select an awardee by the final implementation date established pursuant to such rules, provided that in such a case, the owner, lessee or person in control of a commercial establishment shall have 30 days after the assignment is made by the commissioner to select a different awardee authorized to operate in such commercial waste zone.

f. Any agreement entered into pursuant to subdivision b of this section may include any other terms or provisions deemed appropriate by the department.

§ 16-1003 Unauthorized conduct within commercial waste zones.

a. Except as provided in subdivision c of this section and notwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a business for the purpose of the collection, transport or removal of commercial waste from the premises of a commercial establishment required to provide for the removal of such waste pursuant to section 16-116 or to engage in, conduct or cause the operation of such a business, or to solicit commercial establishments to engage such a business for such purpose, except as authorized pursuant to an agreement with the department entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 and in accordance with the provisions of this title and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

b. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall be unlawful for any trade waste broker to broker agreements between a commercial establishment located in a commercial waste zone required to provide for the removal of commercial waste pursuant to the provisions of section 16-116 and a provider of commercial waste removal, collection or disposal services, except where such provider is authorized to provide such services within such zone pursuant to an agreement with the department entered into pursuant to section 16-1002.

c. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person registered by the business integrity commission to remove, collect or dispose of trade waste that is generated in the course of operation of such person's business pursuant to subdivision b of section 16-505, or to a commercial establishment, owner or managing agent of a building, or owner of an establishment exempt from the requirement to obtain a registration pursuant to such subdivision.

d. Any awardee that has entered into an agreement with the department pursuant to section 16-1002 permitting such awardee to provide for the collection, transport and removal of containerized commercial waste citywide shall be deemed to be authorized to operate within any commercial waste zone in the city of New York.

e. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, it shall be unlawful for any person  to collect, transport or remove waste, as defined in paragraph 2 of this subdivision, from any premises that is not required to provide for the removal of waste pursuant to section 16-116, unless such person is a designated carter authorized to collect, transport or remove commercial waste from commercial establishments in the zone in which such premises is located pursuant to an agreement with the department entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, or such person is an authorized employee or agent of a city agency. Nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to amend, alter or supersede the provisions of chapter 4-C of title 16 and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

2. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term “waste” shall mean all putrescible materials or substances that are discarded or rejected by the owners or occupants of such premises as being spent, useless, worthless or in excess to such owners or occupants at the time of such discard or rejection, including recyclable materials as defined in section 16-303 of this code, except that such term shall not include: sewage; industrial wastewater discharges; irrigation return flows; radioactive materials that are source, special nuclear or by-product material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.; materials subject to in-situ mining techniques that are not removed from the ground as part of the extraction process; hazardous waste as defined in section 27-0901 of the environmental conservation law; construction and demolition debris; fill material; medical waste; electronic waste; textiles; yard waste collected by landscapers; waste collected by a one-time, on-call bulk waste removal service; grease; paper that is collected for the purpose of shredding or destruction; or waste that is collected by a micro-hauler.

§ 16-1004 Interference with commercial waste zone agreements. No person shall make false, falsely disparaging or misleading oral or written statements or other representations to the owners or operators of a commercial establishment that have the capacity, tendency or effect of misleading such owners or operators, for the purpose of interfering with the performance of the terms of any agreement between the department and an awardee entered into pursuant to section 16-1002. No person shall interfere or attempt to interfere by threats, intimidation, or coercion, or by destruction or damage of property or equipment, with performance of the terms of an agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002.

§ 16-1005 Conduct by awardees and designated carters within commercial waste zones.

a. 1. Each awardee shall only charge, exact or accept rates for the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste within the commercial waste zone for which the awardee has been awarded an agreement pursuant to section 16-1002, or for the collection, removal or disposal of containerized commercial waste citywide under an agreement pursuant to such section, as set forth in such agreement and any rules promulgated by the department pursuant to this chapter.

2. No awardee shall refuse commercial waste collection service to any commercial establishment required to provide for the removal of such waste pursuant to the provisions of section 16-116 within the commercial waste zone for which the awardee has been awarded an agreement pursuant to section 16-1002, except as otherwise set forth in such agreement.

3. Each awardee shall provide recyclable materials collection services to all commercial establishments that: (i) are located within the commercial waste zone for which the awardee has been awarded an agreement pursuant to section 16-1002; (ii) are required to provide for the removal of such materials in accordance with the provisions of section 16-306 and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto; and (iii) select such awardee for removal of commercial waste or have been assigned such awardee pursuant to paragraph 4 of subdivision e of section 16-1002.

4. Each awardee shall provide organic waste collection services to all commercial establishments that: (i) are located within the commercial waste zone for which the awardee has been awarded an agreement pursuant to section 16-1002; (ii) are designated covered establishments pursuant to subdivision b of section 16-306.1 that have elected collection by a private carter of organic waste pursuant to subdivision c of such section; and (iii) select such awardee for removal of commercial waste or have been assigned such awardee pursuant to paragraph 4 of subdivision e of section 16-1002.

5. Each awardee and any of its designated carters shall ensure proper disposal of all commercial waste collected, consistent with the terms of any applicable agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, and all applicable laws and rules, and retain for five years and make available for inspection by the department any records provided by a waste transfer station that document disposal of commercial waste collected, and each awardee shall report to the department the amount of commercial waste collected, transported or removed, disaggregated by zone, as applicable, designated carter, material type, and the destination of each material.

6. Each awardee and any of its designated carters shall comply with all terms of such awardee’s health and safety plan as set forth in the agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, and any rules promulgated by the department related to public health and safety.

7. As set forth in the agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 and any rules promulgated by the department, each awardee and designated carter shall maintain: (i) audited financial statements, (ii) ledgers, (iii) receipts, (iv) audits, (v) bills, (vi) customer complaints and other records related to the delivery of commercial waste removal, collection or disposal services, (vii) records related to vehicle maintenance and inspection, (viii) records related to health and safety planning, and (ix) such other written records as the department determines are necessary for demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto. Such records shall be maintained for a period of time to be determined by rule by the department. Such records shall be made available for inspection and audit by the department.

8. Each awardee and designated carter shall comply with all operational requirements regarding the collection, removal and disposal of commercial waste as set forth in the rules of the department promulgated in the furtherance of public health and safety.

9. No awardee shall enter into a subcontracting agreement with a designated carter without obtaining prior approval by the department.

10. Each awardee and designated carter shall report any employees hired as a result of the displaced employees list pursuant to section 16-1007.

11. As set forth in the agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002, and any rules promulgated by the department, each awardee shall:

(a) Comply with the terms of their customer service plan;

(b) Enter into written service agreements with all customers;

(c) Provide a consolidated monthly bill to all customers;

(d) Offer third party waste audit services to all customers;

(e) Comply with all other requirements as set forth in such rules related to standards for service; and

(f) Accept only non-cash payment from customers, except as otherwise provided in such agreement and such rules.

12. Each awardee and each designated carter shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements as set forth in the agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 and any rules promulgated by the department requiring reporting of information related to the collection of commercial waste in commercial waste zones.

b. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of subdivision a of this section shall not apply to an awardee or designated carter operating pursuant to an agreement to provide for the collection, removal and disposal of containerized commercial waste citywide.

§ 16-1006. Employee retention. a. No less than thirty calendar days before the effective date of any change in control of an awardee, the incumbent employer shall:

1. provide to the successor employer a full and accurate list containing the name, address, phone number, date of hire, and job category of each eligible employee;

2. post a notice in the same location and manner that other statutorily required notices to employees are posted, which shall include: (i) the effective date of such change in control; (ii) the name and contact information for the successor employer; and (iii) an explanation of the rights provided pursuant to this section, in a form prescribed by the department; and

3. post such explanation of rights in any language spoken as a primary language by any eligible employee, provided that the department has made a translation available in such language.

b. The successor employer shall retain each eligible employee for the transitional employment period and, except as otherwise provided in this section, the successor employer shall not discharge an eligible employee retained pursuant to this section during the transitional employment period without cause.

c. If at any time during the transitional employment period, the successor employer determines that it requires fewer employees than were employed by the incumbent employer, such successor employer shall retain such eligible employees by seniority within each job category. During the transitional employment period, the successor employer shall maintain a preferential hiring list of any eligible employees not retained by such successor employer who shall, by seniority within their job category, be given a right of first refusal to any jobs that become available during such transitional employment period within such job category.

d. The successor employer shall retain written verification of any offer of employment made by such successor employer to any eligible employee for a period of no less than three years from the date such offer was made. Such verification shall include the name, address, date of offer and job category of each eligible employee.

e. By the end of the transitional employment period, the successor employer shall have a record of a written performance evaluation for each eligible employee retained pursuant to this section and may offer such eligible employee continued employment. The successor employer shall retain a record of the written performance evaluation for a period of no less than three years.

f. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any successor employer that, on or before the effective date of the transfer of control from an incumbent employer to the successor employer, enters into a collective bargaining agreement covering the eligible employees or agrees to assume, or to be bound by, the collective bargaining agreement of the incumbent employer covering the eligible employees, provided that such collective bargaining agreement provides terms and conditions regarding the discharge or laying off of employees.

§ 16-1007 Displaced employees list. a. The department shall maintain a list containing the names and contact addresses or telephone numbers of persons formerly employed by a business either currently engaged in the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste, or  that was engaged in the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste prior to the implementation of this chapter, whose employment with such business has ended. The addition or deletion of information on such list shall be made only upon the request of such a former employee. At the time a former employee requests to be added to such list, the department shall provide the employee with information regarding employment programs and initiatives administered by the department of small business services or other city agencies.

b.  The department shall provide a copy of such list to an applicant or licensee pursuant to section 16-508 or an awardee or designated carter upon request. Additionally, the department shall provide a copy of such list to an awardee within six months of entering into an agreement with such awardee pursuant to section 16-1002 and every six months thereafter for a period of five years.

c. The maintenance or provision of such list shall in no way be construed as a recommendation by the city regarding the employment of any person on such list, nor shall the city be responsible for the accuracy of the information set forth therein.

§16-1008 Worker safety training. a. In addition to any other applicable requirements pursuant to local, state or federal laws or rules, no later than 180 days after the date on which an awardee enters into an agreement with the department pursuant to section 16-1002, each designated carter that will be operating pursuant to such agreement shall be responsible for ensuring that all workers, including but not limited to, vehicle operators, laborers, helpers, mechanics, supervisors and managers, employed by such designated carter as of such date have received worker safety training as required by this section. For workers employed by such designated carter after an awardee enters into an agreement with the department pursuant to section 16-1002, such worker safety training shall be provided within 90 days after the start of employment or prior to the initial assignment of a worker to a job or task, whichever is earlier.

b. Each designated carter shall provide for a worker safety training program at no cost to workers to ensure its workers are properly trained for each assigned job or task to be performed and use of related equipment. The worker safety program shall include a review of any hazardous activities of the job that are relevant to the tasks and activities to be performed. For vehicle operators, laborers and helpers who are directly assigned to the collection, removal, transport or disposal of trade waste on or about the public right of way, such training shall consist of no less than 40 hours, of which no fewer than 16 hours shall be dedicated to classroom instruction. For all other workers, such training shall consist of no less than 8 hours.

c. 1. Such worker safety training program shall be tailored for individual operations, hazards or potential hazards present, and the type of equipment utilized including detailed equipment-specific training for drivers, equipment operators and loaders, as well as maintenance personnel and supervisors. Training shall include a practical demonstration of equipment operation, the knowledge and skills needed by the employee to operate such equipment and the consequences for failure to operate the equipment properly, as appropriately related to the requirements of the worker’s job duties.                     

2. (a) All training shall include, at a minimum, educating workers on workplace safety requirements, operational instruction on each specific type of equipment used by the employee, and training to address specific public safety hazards associated with collecting, transporting and removing commercial waste, including but not limited to, training, as applicable, on:

(1) collision avoidance, including defensive driving and best practices to avoid collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and other sensitive road users;

(2) pre-trip vehicle and equipment inspections;

(3) state and local traffic laws, including speed limits, yielding, and bus and bicycle lane restrictions;

(4) preventing distracted driving;

(5) navigating intersections and turns;

(6) backing up a commercial waste vehicle;

(7) best practices for safe collection stops;

(8) container management;

(9) hopper operation;

(10) fire prevention and response; and

(11) transporting and disposing of specialized waste or hazardous materials.

(b) All such training shall be consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to, requirements administered by the United States occupational safety and health administration, the United States department of transportation, the New York state department of transportation, the United States department of labor, and the New York state department of labor.

d. The worker safety training program required by this section shall include a language access plan to ensure that the needs of workers with limited English proficiency are adequately addressed by the designated carter’s worker safety training program. Such language access plan shall include, at a minimum, a description of the language access needs of the designated carter’s workforce and specific language assistance tools to be used in the administration of the worker safety training program designed to meaningfully address such needs. Such language access plan shall be updated annually and made available for inspection upon request by the department.

e. Each designated carter shall provide re-training of employees as follows:

1. An annual refresher training class to all workers;

2. No less 90 days after a change in the worker’s job assignment or a change in equipment used by the worker that presents a new hazard;

3. No less than 90 days after an inspection by the department reveals, or  the designated carter has reason to believe, that there are material deviations from workplace safety requirements or inadequacies in worker knowledge of workplace safety requirements.

f. Each designated carter shall refer workers to, and have readily available, the manufacturer’s, installer’s or modifier’s instructions to ensure that correct operating and maintenance procedures and work practices are understood and followed.

g. Upon each worker’s completion of the worker safety program required by this section, the designated carter shall issue to each such worker a safety training card evidencing the completion of such safety training which such worker shall carry with him or her during the performance of his or her duties.     

h. Each designated carter shall maintain training records, including the name of each worker, date or dates of training, the type of training received by each worker, and the language in which such training was provided. Records shall be maintained for a period of three years and be made available for inspection upon request by the department. 

i. A designated carter shall certify to the department that it has met the requirements of this section, in the form and manner as the commissioner may prescribe, no later than 180 days after the date of the agreement between an awardee and the department pursuant to section 16-1002 under which the designated carter will first provide commercial waste collection services or, for subcontractors, the date on which the department approves the designated carter as a subcontractor of the awardee, and annually thereafter.

j.  No later than 180 days after the effective date of the local law that added this section, the commissioner shall convene a commercial waste zone safety task force to monitor industry conditions in order to make recommendations regarding improving worker safety training and other ways to protect the public from potential dangers posed by commercial waste hauling activities. Such task force shall be composed of the commissioner, who shall serve as the chairperson of such task force, the chair of the business integrity commission, the speaker of the council, or the designees of any of these such members, and eight additional members, four of which shall be appointed by the mayor and four of which shall be appointed by the speaker of the council. Such task force shall include members who are representative of the commercial waste hauling industry and persons having expertise in workplace safety.

1. Such task force shall meet at least quarterly each year for the first two years of its existence and at least annually for three years thereafter.

2. Such task force shall periodically on its own initiative, or upon request of the commissioner, provide the commissioner with recommendations relating to improving the worker safety training required by this section and other ways to protect the public from potential dangers posed by commercial waste hauling activities. Any such recommendations shall be made available to the commissioner, the chair of the business integrity commission, and all awardees and designated carters within one year of the first meeting of the task force and annually for four years thereafter. In making such recommendations, such task force shall consider, but need not be limited to considering, the following:

(a) Personal protection equipment;

(b) Safely working with and operating vehicle equipment and machines;

(c) Handling heavy materials and proper lifting techniques;

(d) Working with hazardous chemicals or other materials;

(e) Emergency action plans, fire prevention and fire protection;

(f) Hazard communication;

(g) Drug and alcohol awareness;

(h) First aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use; and

(i) Whether and under what circumstances a person would be permitted to transfer safety training acquired or obtained under one employer to another employer.

§ 16-1009 Whistleblower protections. It shall be unlawful for an awardee or designated carter or the agent of an awardee or designated carter to take or threaten to take a retaliatory personnel action, as defined by section 740 of the labor law, against an employee of such awardee or designated carter for reporting to the officer or employee of any city agency information concerning the conduct of such awardee or designated carter or such agent, which the employee knows or reasonably believes to involve a violation of the provisions of this title or any rules promulgated pursuant thereto or the terms of any applicable agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002.

§ 16-1010 Outreach and education. a. The commissioner, together with the chair of the business integrity commission and any other agency designated by the mayor, shall establish an outreach and education program aimed at educating commercial establishments on the implementation of the commercial waste zone collection system, instructions for arranging for collection of commercial waste, and the environmental, health and safety benefits to be yielded through such system. This outreach and education program shall include but not be limited to, seminars, webinars, conferences, and a multilingual public education program.

b. The commissioner may seek the assistance of for-profit and not-for-profit corporations in providing education to commercial establishments pursuant to subdivision a of this section.

c. No later than 90 days following the selection of awardees within a commercial waste zone pursuant to section 16-1002, the commissioner shall distribute a multilingual letter to all commercial establishments within such zone informing them of their obligations to comply with the provisions of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto. Failure to receive a letter pursuant to this subdivision shall not eliminate or otherwise affect the obligations of a commercial establishment pursuant to this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

d. The commissioner, together with the chair of the business integrity commission and any other agency designated by the mayor, shall also conduct an outreach and education program aimed at educating businesses within the commercial waste industry about the requirements and procedures for those interested in operating as awardees or designated carters pursuant to this title. Such program shall include but not be limited to, targeted outreach to minority and women-owned business enterprises and the facilitation of information exchange between such business enterprises and other businesses within the commercial waste industry.

§ 16-1011. Agency reporting. On or before September 30, 2020, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall issue a report to the speaker of the council and the mayor and post such report on the agency’s website. Such report shall include but not be limited to, information regarding the implementation of the commercial waste zone program for each month during the previous fiscal year, disaggregated by zone and further disaggregated by awardee, as applicable, on: (i) the cost and volume of solid waste and recyclables collection and disposal; (ii) feedback from commercial establishments; (iii) the number and types of complaints received regarding commercial waste removal; (iv) outreach and education conducted, including the number of trainings and the number of individuals who have participated in such trainings, if applicable, and materials provided; (v) the number of vehicle miles traveled by trucks used to collect, transport or remove commercial waste within commercial waste zones and any change to such number as compared to the previous fiscal year; (vi) diversion of commercial waste from landfill and any change to such diversion as compared to the previous fiscal year; (vii) any recommendations for improving the commercial waste zone collection system; (viii) the feasibility of accepting commercial waste at marine transfer stations; and (ix) the amount and proportion of commercial waste received at marine transfer stations.

§ 16-1012 Reporting by micro-haulers. On or before February 1, 2022 and each February 1 thereafter, any micro-hauler operating within a commercial waste zone shall submit to the department and the business integrity commission the following information for the previous calendar year in a form and in a manner prescribed by the department:

(i) the amount of source separated organic waste collected from commercial establishments, disaggregated by quarter year;

(ii) the mode of transport of all source separated organic waste collected from commercial establishments, disaggregated by quarter year;

(iii) the disposal location of all source separated organic waste collected from commercial establishments, disaggregated by quarter year; and

(iv) a list of commercial establishments from which source separated commercial waste was collected, disaggregated by zone.

§ 16-1013 Fees. The commissioner shall promulgate rules establishing fees to be collected from any awardee selected pursuant to section 16-1002 for the administration of the commercial waste zone program.

§ 16-1014 Minimum rates. The department may fix by rule and periodically refix minimum rates for the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste. Such minimum rates shall be based upon a fair and reasonable return to the awardee and consideration of the purposes of this chapter.

§ 16-1015 Penalties, injunction and equitable remedies. a. Any person who violates any provision of section 16-1003 or 16-1004, or any rules promulgated pursuant to such sections or any order issued by the commissioner or chair of the business integrity commission pursuant to such sections shall be liable for a civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation, or, in the case of a continuing violation, $10,000 for each day of such violation.

b. 1. Any person who violates any provision of paragraphs 1 through 9 of subdivision a of section 16-1005 shall be liable for a civil penalty of $2,500 for the first violation, and, for subsequent violations that occur within a two-year period of any previous violation, $5,000 for the second violation and $10,000 for any subsequent violation.

2. Any person who violates any provision of paragraphs 10 through 12 of subdivision a of section 16-1005 shall be liable for a civil penalty of $500 for the first violation, and, for subsequent violations that occur within a two year period of any previous violation, $750 for the second violation and $1,000 for any subsequent violation.

c. 1. Any person who violates any provision of subdivision c of section 16-1005 shall be liable for a civil penalty of $10,000 per vehicle that is in violation. Each notice of violation shall contain an order of the commissioner or chair of the business integrity commission directing the respondent to correct the condition constituting the violation and to file with the department electronically, or in such other manner as the commissioner shall authorize, a certification that the condition has been corrected within thirty days from the date of the order. In addition to such civil penalty, a separate additional penalty shall be imposed of $500 for each day that the violation is not corrected beyond thirty days from such order.

2. For the purposes of this section, if a court of competent jurisdiction or the office of administrative trials and hearings, pursuant to section 1049-a of the charter, finds that a certification of correction filed pursuant to this subdivision contained material false statements relating to the correction of a violation, such certification of correction shall be null and void. It shall be an affirmative defense that the respondent neither knew nor should have known that such statements were false.

d. The civil penalty for each violation of section 16-1008 shall be $1,000. A violation of section 16-1008 shall be computed on a per employee basis. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any penalty imposed for a violation of subdivision i of section 16-1008 shall be mitigated to zero dollars if, on or before the initial return date stated on the notice of violation, a designated carter who fails to provide the certification required pursuant to subdivision i of section 16-1008 submits proof of having cured such violation at the hearing of such notice of violation.

e. Any person who violates any provision of section 16-1012 shall be liable for a civil penalty of $1,000, except that such penalty shall be mitigated to zero dollars if on or before the initial return date stated on the notice of violation, a micro-hauler who fails to file the report required pursuant to section 16-1012 submits proof of having cured the violation at the hearing of such notice of violation.

f. All civil penalties imposed pursuant to this section may be recovered in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction or in a proceeding before the office of administrative trials and hearings, pursuant to section 1049-a of the charter.

g. The corporation counsel is authorized to commence a civil action on behalf of the city for civil penalties or for injunctive relief to restrain or enjoin any activity in violation of this chapter.

h. In addition to or as an alternative to any civil penalty pursuant to subdivision a of this section, any person who violates section 16-1003 or 16-1004 or any of the rules promulgated pursuant thereto shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished for each violation by a criminal fine of not more than $10,000, or in the case of a continuing violation, not more than $10,000 for each day of such violation, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both such criminal fine and imprisonment.

i. Any employee that has been the subject of a retaliatory personnel action or the threat of a retaliatory personnel action in violation of section 16-1009 or any rules promulgated pursuant thereto shall be entitled to all relief necessary to make the employee whole. Such relief may include but not be limited to: (i) an injunction to restrain the retaliatory action or threat of retaliatory action, (ii) reinstatement to the position such employee would have had but for the retaliatory action or to an equivalent position, (iii) reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights, (iv) payment of two times back pay, plus interest, and (v) compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the retaliatory action or threat of retaliatory action, including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Such an employee may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for the relief provided in this subdivision.

§ 16-1016 Impoundment and forfeiture. a. Any vehicle that has been used or is being used in the violation of section 16-1003 shall be impounded by the department or the business integrity commission and shall not be released until either all removal charges and storage fees and the applicable fine have been paid or a bond has been posted in an amount satisfactory to the commissioner or as otherwise provided in subdivision c of this section. The commissioner shall have the power to establish rules concerning the impoundment and release of vehicles and the payment of removal charges and storage fees for such vehicles, including the amounts and rates thereof.

b. In addition to any other penalties provided in this section, the interest of an owner in any vehicle impounded pursuant to subdivision a of this section shall be subject to forfeiture upon notice and judicial determination thereof if such owner has been convicted of or found liable for a violation of section 16-1003 in a civil or criminal proceeding or in a proceeding before the office of administrative trials and hearings, pursuant to section 1049-a of the charter two or more times, if at least two of such violations were committed within an eighteen-month period.

c. Except as hereinafter provided, the city agency having custody of a vehicle, after judicial determination of forfeiture, shall no sooner than 30 days after such determination upon a notice of at least five days, sell such forfeited vehicle at public sale. Any person, other than an owner whose interest is forfeited pursuant to this section, who establishes a right of ownership in a vehicle, including a part ownership or security interest, shall be entitled to delivery of the vehicle if such person:

(1)Redeems the ownership interest which was subject to forfeiture by payment to the city of the value thereof;

(2)Pays the reasonable expenses of the safekeeping of the vehicle between the time of seizure and such redemption; and

(3)Asserts a claim within thirty days after judicial determination of forfeiture.

d. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, establishment of a claim shall not entitle such person to delivery of the vehicle if the city establishes that the unlawful conduct for which the vehicle was seized was expressly or impliedly permitted by such person.

§ 16-1017 Liability for violations. a. A designated carter shall be liable for violations of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules promulgated pursuant hereto committed by any of its employees or agents.

b. An awardee shall be liable for violations of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules promulgated pursuant hereto committed by any designated carter or other subcontractor performing services pursuant to any agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002.

§ 16-1018 Enforcement. Notices of violation for violations of any provision of this chapter or any rule promulgated hereunder may be issued by the department or the business integrity commission. In addition, such notices of violation may be issued by any other agency of the city as designated by the commissioner.

§ 16-1019 Labor and wage violations. Where the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that a designated carter has engaged in or is engaging in actions: (i) involving egregious or habitual nonpayment or underpayment of wages, or (ii) that constitute a significant violation of city, state or federal labor or employment law, the commissioner shall inform the New York state attorney general, the New York state department of labor, the United States department of labor or other relevant city, state or federal law enforcement agency of such actions.

§ 16-1020 Administration of commercial waste zones. a. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the business integrity commission may, upon approval by a majority of its members, elect to assume, in whole or in part, the powers and duties of the commissioner and the department assigned by the local law that added this section, provided that such commission notifies the mayor, the council and the commissioner in writing of such election either (i) within 30 days of the enactment of the local law that added this section, or (ii) subsequently, no less than six months prior to the date that the assumption of powers and duties pursuant to such election takes effect. In the event of an election that is made pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, such commission and the department shall take measures to effect an orderly transfer of such powers and duties. Such commission and the department shall make all necessary arrangements with respect to any relevant property, contracts, personnel, funding, administration, enforcement and pending matters. No judicial or administrative action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending at the time of such election, or any contract in effect at the time of such election, shall be affected or abated by such assumption; all such actions, proceedings or contracts may be continued, but upon the effective date of the assumption of powers and duties by such commission, the same may be prosecuted, defended or enforced by such commission. Any rules promulgated by the department pursuant to the local law that added this section shall remain in effect as rules of such commission until such time as they are repealed or amended by such commission.  

b. Subsequent to any election made pursuant to subdivision a of this section, such commission may elect for the department to assume, in whole or in part, powers and duties assumed by the commission pursuant to such subdivision, provided that such assumption shall take effect no less than six months after such election. In such event, the transitional provisions applicable to the initial assumption by such commission in subdivision a of this section shall apply in a similar manner to the assumption by the department pursuant to this subdivision.

§ 19. Subdivision m of section 24-163.5 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as amended by local law 38 for the year 2015, is amended to read as follows:

m. This section shall not apply to any solid waste contract or recyclable materials contract entered into or renewed prior to September 9, 2005 or to any agreement entered into pursuant to title 16-B.

§ 20. Subdivision c of section 24-163.11 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as amended by local law 38 for the year 2015, is amended to read as follows:

c. Waivers; financial hardship. The chairperson of the business integrity commission may issue a waiver of the requirements of paragraph one of subdivision b of this section if the chairperson finds that the applicant for such waiver has demonstrated that compliance with such requirements would cause undue financial hardship on the applicant. An application for such waiver must be filed with the business integrity commission on or before January 1, 2019, or in the case of an applicant that applies for a license or registration with the business integrity commission pursuant to section 16-505 of the code for the first time after January 1, 2019, an application for such waiver shall be filed no later than the date on which such license or registration application is filed with the commission. An application for renewal of an existing waiver must be filed no later than one hundred eighty days before the expiration of such waiver. Any waiver issued pursuant to this paragraph shall expire no later than two years after issuance. All waivers issued pursuant to this subdivision shall expire no later than January 1, 2025. The provisions of paragraph one of subdivision b of this section shall not apply to an applicant that has submitted an application for a waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision while such application is pending with the commission, nor for ninety days after the date of a denial of such waiver. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the business integrity commission shall not issue or renew a waiver pursuant to this subdivision to any applicant with respect to a vehicle that will be used to collect, remove or dispose of waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B.

§ 21. Subdivision d of section 24-163.11 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new paragraph (6) to read as follows:

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to any vehicle that may be used to collect, remove or dispose of waste required to be collected by a designated carter pursuant to chapter 1 of title 16-B, the commissioner of sanitation shall have all the powers and duties of the business integrity commission as set forth in this section.

§ 22. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the final implementation date for a commercial waste zone established by the commissioner of sanitation pursuant to paragraph 3 of subdivision e of section 16-1002 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 18 of this local law, any contract between a commercial establishment and a person other than an awardee authorized to operate within such zone pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 of such code, as added by section 18 of this local law, to provide for the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste, as such term is defined in section 16-1000 of such code, as added by section 18 of this local law, within such commercial waste zone shall be considered terminated. Any contract for the collection, removal or disposal of commercial waste generated by a commercial establishment within a commercial waste zone entered into prior to such final implementation date shall contain prominent notice that such contract is subject to termination upon such date and the procedures for such termination. 

§ 23. No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending at the time when this local law takes effect, brought by or against the city or any agency or officer, and no administrative proceeding brought by the business integrity commission, shall be affected or abated by the adoption of this local law or by anything herein contained; but all such actions or proceedings may be continued notwithstanding that powers and duties of any agency or officer party thereto may be assigned or transferred to another agency or officer or otherwise affected by this local law.

§ 24. The enactment of this local law shall not affect or impair any act done, offense committed or right accruing, accrued or acquired, or liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred prior to the time such enactment takes effect, but the same may be enjoyed, asserted, enforced, prosecuted or inflicted, as fully and to the same extent as if such local law had not been enacted.

§ 25. a. This local law takes effect immediately, except as otherwise provided in this section.

b. Sections 5 through 17 of this local law take effect 18 months after it becomes law, provided however that:

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, until the final implementation date for a commercial waste zone established by the commissioner of sanitation pursuant to paragraph 3 of subdivision e of section 16-1002 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 18 of this local law, the business integrity commission may, within such zone, continue to enforce the provisions of sections 16-306, 16-306.1, 16-504, 16-519, 16-520 and 16-522 of the administrative code of the city of New York and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto, including but not limited to, the rates for the removal, collection or disposal of commercial waste, as they were in effect prior to the effective date of sections 5 through 15 of this local law, with respect to persons who are not designated carters operating within such zone pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to section 16-1002 of such code, as added by section 18 of this local law; and

2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, until the final implementation date for a commercial waste zone established by the commissioner of sanitation pursuant to paragraph 3 of subdivision e of section 16-1002 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 18 of this local law, no enforcement of the provisions of paragraph 2 of subdivision a of section 16-116 of such code, as amended by section 4 of this local law, shall take place within such commercial waste zone.

c.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, until the implementation start date for a commercial waste zone established by the commissioner of sanitation pursuant to paragraph 3 of subdivision e of section 16-1002 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 18 of this local law, no enforcement of the provisions of paragraph 2 of subdivision b of section 16-306 of such code, as amended by section 5 of this local law, subdivision l of section 16-509 of such code, as added by section 10 of this local law, paragraph xiii of subdivision a of section 16-513 of such code, as added by section 11 of this local law, subdivision b of section 16-513 of such code, as amended by section 11 of this local law, or sections 16-1003, 16-1004 or 16-1005 of such code, as added by section 18 of this local law, shall take place within such commercial waste zone, and provided further that a licensee, as such term is used in title 16-A of the administrative code of the city of New York, operating within such zone pursuant to a contract with a commercial establishment entered into prior to such implementation start date may continue to provide commercial waste collection, removal or disposal services pursuant to such contract in accordance with the provisions title 16-A and any rules promulgated thereunder until the final implementation date for such zone established by the commissioner of sanitation pursuant to paragraph 3 of subdivision e of section 16-1002 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 18 of this local law.

d. The commissioner of sanitation may take such measures as are necessary for the implementation of this local law, including the promulgation of rules, immediately.

NKA

LS 1230

10/22/2019

9:37PM