MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS COUNCIL BILL NO. 1016-A, LIFTING THE BAN ON HOME-USE GARBAGE DISPOSALS
Remarks By Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani At Public Hearing On Local Laws
The first bill before me is Introductory Number 1016-A, a bill sponsored jointly by my Administration and Council Members Spigner, Dear, Fusco and O'Donovan. This bill will lift the ban on the installation of garbage grinders or food waste disposals in New York City homes served by combined storm and sanitary sewer systems.
This legislation is the culmination of a process which began approximately two years ago when, pursuant to Local Law 74 of 1995, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was required to study the impact of garbage grinders on combined sewer areas. The study concluded that the lifting of the ban on garbage grinders would have no adverse environmental impact and recommended that the ban on garbage grinders be lifted. DEP also found that the majority of municipalities in the United States have allowed the use of garbage grinders. These cities have reported no adverse impact on their sewer systems or the quality of their waterways.
In order to ensure the continued betterment of our bays and harbors, and the ability of our sewage treatment plants to handle any increases in sewage in an environmentally safe and efficient manner, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Buildings will monitor the installation and impact of these appliances.
While the use of garbage grinders will not only provide New Yorkers with a convenience, their use will also have a positive effect on the environment by reducing the amount of solid waste that is deposited into the City's landfills.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map