Sanitation

The Downtown Alliance has deployed Bigbelly solar-powered trash compactors and accompanying recycling receptacles throughout our district. These compactors dramatically cut down on the number of trash bags  that need to be collected and containerized for pickup by the city. To date, we operate and maintain over 178 of these paired units.

The Downtown Alliance is currently participating in the Department of Sanitation’s Clean Curb pilot program. Instead of placing public trash bags in piles on the sidewalk to await collection, our staff can now store those bags securely across six sealed, rodent-proof containers located throughout the district. The Department of Sanitation collects from them up to three times a day, helping us keep the district clean.

The Alliance maintains a variety of street furniture throughout the district. Our crews are responsible for cleaning and repairing these elements as needed, and repainting them seasonally to keep them looking fresh and clean.

Downtown Alliance crews regularly remove graffiti, stickers and illegal advertisements around Lower Manhattan. We are always on the lookout for graffiti or other vandalism, and welcome alerts from building owners and local merchants. Once alerted, we’ll head to the spot promptly for removal. To report graffiti or other vandalism, e-mail [email protected].

Following snowfall, Alliance staff gets to work clearing bus stops, fire hydrants, all corner caps, plaza surfaces, sidewalks and crosswalks to create clear and accessible pathways. In addition to coordinating with the Department of Sanitation, our crews prioritize areas by taking into account pedestrian traffic and public transportation.

When a potential storm or hurricane approaches, we coordinate closely with the Department of Sanitation, the Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation for an effective response.
 
Prior to the storm, we rearrange our work schedules and increase personnel to perform pre-storm cleanings, remove and relocate any wire-mesh trash cans, secure outdoor furniture and ensure all our vehicles and equipment are ready for a prompt response.
 
When the storm passes, our crews are quick to identify and assist the city in remediating any unsafe conditions, and perform a thorough cleaning and clearing of debris to get the district back to business as usual in a timely manner.

In an effort to reduce waste and promote recycling and reuse, the Downtown Alliance hosts two community recycling events a year, typically electronic waste in the spring and clothing/textiles in the fall, paired with a mobile shredding truck. To learn more about these events as well as how to recycle, compost and otherwise properly dispose of unwanted items, please check out our recycling guide here.