“The final bill before me is Introductory Number 575-A, sponsored by Council Members Garodnick, Chin, Dromm, Fidler, Foster, James, Koppell, Lander, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Palma, Rose, Williams, Koo, Rodriguez, Lappin, Gentile, Van Bramer, Jackson, Brewer, Barron and Gennaro.  Introductory Number 575-A requires newly constructed multi-family residences to provide adequate space to store and sort designated recyclable material.

“Since the inception of the City’s recycling laws, building owners have been required to source separate recyclables in residential buildings with four or more units. However, current regulations do not stipulate the minimum room size required to provide sufficient space for storing these materials prior to pick-up.

“This legislation would require newly constructed buildings to include storage space for refuse and recyclables that would accommodate 1.5 square feet per dwelling unit or 350 square feet, whichever is less. The location of these rooms must be included in construction documents and configured to permit unobstructed access by residents and building personnel to store refuse and recyclables. In addition, elevator apartment buildings must have an area within a fire-rated enclosure on each floor of a minimum of five square feet for the temporary holding of recyclable materials.

“This piece of legislation is based on a recommendation of the Green Codes Task Force, a joint effort by my Administration, the City Council, and the Urban Green Council to recommend ways to conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, and make buildings in New York City better to live and work in.

“I would like to thank Office of Long-Term Planning & Sustainability Director Sergej Mahnovski, Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri, Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty, and their staff, along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the