NSWMA Opposes New York City Transfer Station Capacity Reduction Bill

Will Increase Costs, Adversely Impact Investment, Jobs and Other Neighborhoods

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, representatives of the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) testified against proposed legislation (Intro. 1170) before the New York City Council Committee On Sanitation And Solid Waste Management. The bill proposes capping the percentage of the city's waste that can be handled in any one community district. The waste and recycling industry leaders described how the bill likely would result in the closure of several existing waste transfer stations that serve the city, as well as the loss of a number of good jobs at transfer stations for city residents.

In his testimony, NSWMA Vice President for Advocacy David Biderman described how Intro. 1170, if enacted, would increase the costs of disposing waste in the city. The waste and recycling industry projects that enacting this bill would increase tipping fees for New York businesses by as much as $100 million annually. He added that it also sends the wrong message about investing in recycling and waste diversion infrastructure in New York. He called the legislation "irresponsible and unreasonable" and asked that City Council members not vote in favor of Intro. 1170, if it comes to a vote later this year.

Biderman stated, "The owners and operators of these facilities provide a vital service, comply with the numerous city laws and regulations governing their operations, and are working with the communities and neighborhoods in which they operate to reduce impacts."

NSWMA New York City members own and operate commercial waste collection, recycling, and disposal facilities. NSWMA's New York City Chapter includes many of the transfer stations targeted by this legislation, as well as about 50 carters who will be adversely impacted by Intro. 1170.

In their testimony, NSWMA members described how they are developing and investing in new technologies that will achieve many of the goals of the supporters of Intro. 1170. NSWMA members stated they are willing to enter into a dialogue with city officials and community groups to address issues relating to the transfer stations, including a responsible level of permitted capacity reduction.

The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) – a sub-association of the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) – represents for-profit companies in North America that provide waste collection, recycling and disposal services, healthcare waste management and professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA members conduct business in all 50 states. For more information about the NYC Chapter of NSWMA, visit www.nycgarbagefacts.com.

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Sharon Kneiss

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SOURCE National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA)