In its response to a recent Department of Sanitation’s request for information, CHEKPEDS makes a strong case that they could.
As a location for the temporary storage of building waste, we propose to use some of the public right-of-way that is currently used for the free storage of private vehicles. Specifically, our proposal repurposes several on-street parking spaces per block for the use of storing waste before its removal, in lieu of storing it on our precious and heavily used sidewalks. On a typical midtown side street block of 700 feet, six on-street parking spaces (three on each side of the street) would be converted to this use, to be called a Waste Corral.
The corral would be created by (1) cross-hatching the area with paint, (2) installing parking blocks to protect the space from adjacent parked vehicles, and (3) installing a chain link fence enclosure with a large opening to the street and a smaller opening to the sidewalk. Optionally, a visual screen could be added to three sides of the enclosure, leaving the street side unscreened for safety and monitoring.
On our prototype block of W45th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, we found that waste takes up about 300 linear feet on each side of the street, at an average width of 2.5 feet. That amounts to 750 square feet per side, or 1500 square feet per block. The six proposed Waste Corrals would occupy a much more efficient 840 square feet per block, a reduction of 44% in total space, and would free up 100% of the portion occupied on the sidewalk.
Why is trash allowed to be put out on sidewalks at noon (as on West 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue) instead of at five o’clock. as a few years ago on West 44th Street, or later in the day? This is unsightly and unsanitary and also allows scavengers to further scatter trash. One does not see this in European cities and both friends and tourists have asked about this.
Not only does one need a physical solution for storage, but the sanitation department DOES NOT ENFORCE CURRENT RULES either. Also, trash compactors should be mandatory in large apartment buildings before trash is placed on the street for collection. Not a bad idea in conjunction with the other issues.
Right on …
you should report the to 311 . a clear violation
The “gates” to the bins should be wider to accommodate better packed storage and pickup. Garbage bins must be on wheels and be plastic. Who gives away free parking: DOT and Sanitation must agree?
DOT is part of the process . Bins will be selected by Sanitation .