May 20, 2019

NYC Department of Sanitation

Re: NYC Pilot for Public Realm Refuse and Recycling Solutions

OUR MEMBERS • 9th We appreciate the opportunity to submit our response to the RFEI.
Avenue Association • 43rd
Street Block
Association • 44SW • 44th The Chelsea-Hell’s Kitchen Coalition for Pedestrian Safety (CHEKPEDS)
Street Block Association • 45th
Street Block Association • 46th
is a non-profit organization that focuses on pedestrian safety and quality of
Street Block life. In recent years, the lack of sidewalk space has become an issue for our
Association • 47/48th Street
Block Association • Block members, especially for those with disabilities, as more deliveries and higher
Association 55th Street Block
Association • 344-348 West 38th
building density are causing the volume of waste to increase significantly
Street Tenants Corp.• Actors and obstruct the pedestrian right-of-way.
Temple Theater • American
Home Hardware & More
.• Baryshnikov Arts Center
• Basilica • Brazil Brazil
Our submission, a project called TOSS (Trash Off the Sidewalk Space),
• Chimichurri Grill • Clinton would free up 100% of the sidewalk space that is presently used by waste
Housing Development Corp
• Costa del Sol.• Cupcake Café waiting to be picked up.
• Delphinium Home •
Domus • Econolodge • Empire
Tailors & Cleaners • Times Since its inception in 2005, CHEKPEDS has been a leader in urban design
Square • Galaxy Diner • Hartley
House • Hell' s Kitchen
and better use of street space. In particular, we have been very successful at
Neighborhood Association • converting parking spaces to uses that benefit all street users.
Housing Conservation
Coordinators • Hudson Crossing
Tenants Association •
International Foods • Manhattan
In 2010 at our request, DOT installed neckdowns on 41st Street and 9th
Plaza • Metro Bicycle Stores • Avenue; in 2012 we installed three bike corrals on 9th Avenue by swapping
New Dramatists • Nice N Natural
• Orion Condominium • Piccinini
parking spaces; the following year, we converted motorcycle parking to a
Brothers • Il Punto plaza; in 2014, at our request, the DOT converted 15 parking spaces into a
• PetsNYC.com Poseidon
Bakery • Project FIND • R/GA plaza (the Canoe, at 36th Street between 9thand Dyer Avenues); in 2016, with
• Revolution Rickshaws
• Rockrose Development • Sea
the help of a developer and the DOT, we expanded the sidewalk on 8th
Breeze • Sunnyside Records Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets to accommodate pedestrian volumes.
• Smiley’s·• Sonja Wagner
Gallery • Costa del Sol • St. We have been strong advocates of Street Seats in the City, where parking
Lukes Theater • Studio space is converted into public seating: more than eight Street Seats are now
LLC·• Tagine·• Tartare • The
Ritz • The Piano Factory • Thrift installed in our neighborhood.
& New Shoppe • Trattoria Pesce
Pasta • Urban Affiliates • Vintner
Wine Market As part of our focus to free up pedestrian spaces, we’d like the City to
www.chekpeds.com remove garbage obstructions from the sidewalks. The overnight stacking of
waste bags on narrow sidewalks makes the passage challenging for
pedestrians, and next to impossible for people with disabilities. It is critical
CHEKPEDS is a coalition of over 1,500 businesses, individuals, and institutions dedicated to pedestrian safety in Chelsea, Clinton
and Hell’s Kitchen, on the West side of Manhattan and the sponsor of the 9th Avenue Renaissance project. excom@chekpeds.com
Chelsea, Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Coalition for Pedestrian Safety | 348 west 38th Street, New York, NY 10018 | (646) 623 2689 |
to find ways to remove these weekly obstructions from our overcrowded
sidewalks.
In our first efforts with Manhattan Community Board 4, we convinced
developers to redesign their waste systems so that the waste is compacted
and it remains inside the building until collection. We are now working on
changing the City Zoning laws to require developers to include sufficient
waste space and compacting equipment inside their buildings.
Now, our member, the West 45th Street block association, uses the Mathews
Palmer park to host trash reduction and recycling efforts like regular Stop
’N’ Swap events. On May 20th, it will launch the official pilot of DSNY
Brown Bin Collection at that park.

We thank you in advance for considering our submission.

Respectfully,

C. Berthet, co-founder
M. Treat, co-founder

Our contact information:

CHEKPEDS Inc.
348 West 38th Street, Suite 12B
New York, NY 10018
Contact: Christine Berthet
Phone: 212-239-2917
Email: excom@chekpeds.com
Web Site: www.chekpeds.com

CHEKPEDS is a coalition of over 1,500 businesses, individuals, and institutions dedicated to pedestrian safety in Chelsea, Clinton
and Hell’s Kitchen, on the West side of Manhattan and the sponsor of the 9th Avenue Renaissance project. excom@chekpeds.com
Chelsea, Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Coalition for Pedestrian Safety | 348 west 38th Street, New York, NY 10018 | (646) 623 2689 |


4.1 Project Overview & Goals

1. Provide a detailed description of the product or system, and at least one drawing,
rendering or photo.

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. On a short, ‘avenue’
block, typically 200 feet long, there would be one corral on each side of the
street. In that way, no building, whether on a street or an avenue, would be
more than 100 feet from a corral. [See Site Plans, appendix 1.] The same
parameter would be applied to other parts of the City’s various street grids.
Exact locations would be adjusted for the presence of fire hydrants, curb cuts,
tree pits, bus stops, and other impediments.

Based on the size of a standard on-street parking space (8 ft x 20 ft), each Waste
Corral would be 7 ft x 20 ft, leaving 1 foot for drainage and cleaning of the
gutter. 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 [See Plan Detail, appendix 2].

In the first, introductory phase, the corral would be used only for bags and
bundles of recyclables. While recyclables are collected just once per week, they
could be deposited at any time of the week. Once users become accustomed to
the locations, bags of regular waste would be added. At the same or a later time,
enclosed containers (to be specified by DSNY) would be added for both regular
and recyclable waste.

CHEKPEDS Page 1 5/30/19



2. What is the capacity of the product or system? What kind of waste is it intended for?

Assuming an average trash bag of 24” x 24” x 16” tall, stacked 3 bags high, we
estimate that each Waste Corral would store about 85 bags, or 6 x 85 = 510
bags on a long block. Our survey of W 45th Street between 9th and 10th
Avenues, a relatively low-rise residential block, typically found a total of 370
bags on the block on pick-up days, including both recycling and regular waste.
Therefore the capacity would be well more than sufficient for low-rise blocks.
Blocks with multiple high-rise residential buildings might require one or more
additional parking spaces. Given the ease of adding (or subtracting) spaces, this
system offers extreme flexibility of capacity, which is critical in our evolving city
where density is changing rapidly.

We propose to begin the program with recycled waste, then extend it to regular
waste soon after. If successful, we anticipate that open storage would soon be
replaced with containers. Once containerized, sites could also become
repositories for other types of waste, such as organics, textiles, and electronics.

3. How is the product or system used and serviced? Provide technical specifications of the
vehicle needed to service the system, if relevant, and specify whether your product or
system is compatible with existing collection trucks (e.g. rear loaders and roll-on and roll-
off trucks)?

Building superintendents and individuals would deposit the bags in the Waste
Corrals, which would be located no more than 100 feet from any building.
Collection trucks would be the same as today, but would need to stop just three
times on a typical long, cross-town street. What’s more, the waste would be
located immediately adjacent to the collection truck, on both sides of the street,
thereby eliminating the requirement for sanitation workers to pass between
parked vehicles to access bags on the sidewalks, and then haul the bags back
between those parked vehicles to reach the truck.

The Waste Corrals would need to be kept clean. We propose the hiring of an
inexpensive cleaning service such as the Doe Fund or Ace New York. These
companies, which are commonly used by the City’s Business Improvement

CHEKPEDS Page 2 5/30/19



Districts to provide supplementary cleaning for sidewalks, generally hire

disadvantaged workers. We have obtained pricing from one such company.
[See Pilot Costs, appendix 3].

With regard to general street cleaning, mechanized street cleaners would go

around the corrals, as they do now for bike corrals and DOT’s Street Seats,
which create public sitting areas in on-street parking spaces.

4. How does the product or system increase waste diversion, reduce vehicle miles traveled
and/or GHG emissions associated with waste collection, and/or improve the cleanliness of
New York City streets and sidewalks? Highlight unique or innovative elements of the
product/system that address the core goals of this RFEI.

On our prototype block of W45th Street, 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.

The collection of waste would be far more efficient than it is today. Collection
trucks would need to stop just three times on a typical long, cross-town street.
What’s more, the waste would be located immediately adjacent to the collection
truck, on both sides of the street, thereby eliminating the requirement for
sanitation workers to pass between parked vehicles to access bags on the
sidewalks, and then haul the bags back between those parked vehicles to reach
the truck. A significant reduction in pick-up time should be expected, resulting in
a reduction in the number of trucks.

In the many parts of the world that use common collection points, the total
volume of refuse is reduced because of the minor inconvenience of carrying the
waste a short distance from one’s building. Therefore, we expect a reduction in
the total amount of waste generated. Most importantly, at minimal cost, waste
is moved from the already-obstructed pedestrian right-of-way to parking
spaces that have typically been given away to private vehicle owners for free, or
nearly so. The Waste Corral system would free up 100% of the space occupied

CHEKPEDS Page 3 5/30/19



by waste on sidewalks, a major benefit to pedestrians, residents, and building

superintendents.

5. Is the product or system currently available for sale in the United States or elsewhere? If
so: What municipalities or other customers have purchased and installed the product or
system? How many products or systems were installed in each location and in what month
and year? Provide contact information for up to three client references if deployed
elsewhere. Provide data on system function if already deployed elsewhere.

Similar concept -Bryant Park, W40th Street, New York city

CHEKPEDS Page 4 5/30/19



France - standard product offering for municipalities

Buenos Aires – Argentina

CHEKPEDS Page 5 5/30/19



Paris, France

Our proposal is simple, and has been used successfully in many parts of the
world. Prototypes would be easily implemented with the installation of
standard chain-link fencing and pavement paint. If successful, we anticipate
that the Waste Corrals would be outfitted with containers to be specified by
DSNY. Depending on their size, for ease of access it might be preferable to then
eliminate the fencing on the street side of the enclosure.

4.2 Siting
1. How and where is the product or system installed (sidewalk, roadway, or on another type
of City property)?

The system is installed in the parking lane of the roadway, NOT on the
sidewalk. There is a gap between the enclosure and the curb to allow for storm
drainage. The enclosure protects the trash from high winds. Street sweepers
would go around the trash corrals just as they now do for Street Seats and bike
corrals. Snow removal would be unaffected, as the parking lane is not plowed.

CHEKPEDS Page 6 5/30/19



2. Please provide a site plan showing the product or system in context of the surrounding right
of way.

See drawings, appendices 1 and 2.

a. Does the product or system contain any subsurface components? If so, what subsurface
clearance will be required for installation?

There would be no subsurface installations aside from the possible use of

embedded sleeves for the fence posts.

3. Are there specific locations or neighborhoods you suggest for the installation and use of
product or system?

We propose three locations as prototypes of different contexts:

(1) W45th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue, a typical lower-rise residential
block (6 enclosures)
(2) East side of 9th Avenue between 41st and 42nd St, a lower-rise block of
residential above ground floor commercial, on an Avenue (1 enclosure)
(3) W41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, outside the service entrance of the
Orion, a high-rise residential building (2 adjacent enclosures)

4.3 Service and Management

1. How will the product or system be kept clean and regularly maintained? If the product
or system will be located in the roadway or sidewalk, what is the plan to keep the space
around it clean?

There are several possible ways to keep the enclosures clean. (1) DSNY could
modify the scope of its street cleaning services to include cleaning of the waste
corrals. (2) For the pilot, we propose that supplemental sanitation services be
provided by an organization such as ACE or the DOE fund, which give
employment to homeless persons. They would provide manpower that would
clean the Waste Corrals on the day after pick-up.
Supplemental sanitation services should also be used during the first few
months of the pilot to bring any stray bags from the buildings that have not yet

CHEKPEDS Page 7 5/30/19



been delivered to the corrals in time for pick up. This mechanism would be used
as a short-term transition and education tool for residents and building
superintendents.

2. How will you prevent discards, liquids, and odors that may escape the product or system into
the public right of way, and what is the plan to address them if they do?

In the first two phases, bags would be stored in an on-street parking space
enclosed with a chain-link fence. Bag leakage will occur as it does now, but will
do so in the street instead of on the sidewalk, where it is less offensive and more
easily managed. In the third phase, waste will be stored in rodent-proof
containers that will substantially reduce spillage. For the pick-up of large
objects, a phone number will be prominently displayed on the enclosure.

3. What measures have been taken to rodent-proof the product or system?

The enclosure will afford the opportunity to install anti-rodent devices within
the corral. In the third phase , we propose that the Waste Corrals be outfitted
with containers to be specified by DSNY. These may differ in size and type in
different locations.

4. What are the anticipated repair requirements resulting from the regular use of the
product or system? How will the product or system be repaired?

While the fencing will be protected with parking blocks, nonetheless we

anticipate that the fencing enclosure may require occasional repair, and
containers will require a schedule for replacement.

5. Can the product or system be installed, removed and relocated? If so, please provide a
narrative and/or graphical description of the modular capabilities of the product or system.

To aid in their repair or removal, we propose that the fence posts be dropped
into sleeves embedded in the pavement, rather than bolted down.

CHEKPEDS Page 8 5/30/19



6. What measures or protections will be in place to prevent vandalism and misuse, such as
illegal dumping next to, or illegal relocation of the product or system?

We do not anticipate illegal relocation of the fencing. The design of containers,

once installed, would need to anticipate possible attempts to move them. To help
manage illegal dumping, a sign will be prominently displayed on the enclosure
with the DSNY phone number for the pick-up of large objects.

7. What security measures does the product or system have?

None required.

8. Is the product or system flexible? How could it be adapted over time to respond to
evolving needs for collection or diversion?

This system is extremely flexible. For example, if two adjacent low-rise

buildings with a total of 20 units are demolished and replaced with a 300-room
hotel or a 150-unit residence, the needs for waste disposal capacity are
dramatically altered. By taking additional parking spaces, enclosures could be
quickly added. The types of containers could be changed to meet the specific
needs of the location.

9. How will the product or system’s impact and effectiveness be measured? What
performance metrics would it aim to satisfy?

The system’s effectiveness should be measured by (1) the amount of trash moved
off of the sidewalks, (2) the reduction in trash volume resulting from the
inconvenience of depositing the trash near, but not directly in front of, each
building, and (3) the reduction in pick up time for the block. On our prototype
block of W45th Street, 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, yielding
a reduction of 44%.

CHEKPEDS Page 9 5/30/19



4.4 Costs and Business Model

1. What is the estimated cost for implementation of the product or system for a single large
waste generator or a group of waste generators in New York City? Provide specific
breakdown of costs (equipment, maintenance, etc.) and specify the waste generator(s) (ex:
NYC DOE schools, residential or commercial buildings)

• Each 20’x 7’ corral costs $889 including installation ($440 for materials
and $449 for installation) without volume discount. Due to its bargaining
power, the city can probably obtain such product and manpower for 20%
to 30% less.
• Cleaning costs amount to $649 annually per Waste Corral.
• See Pilot Costs, appendix 3.

2. If relevant, describe the payment process, including details on waste metering or

integrated chargeback/invoicing.
Not applicable.

3. How would the system interface and/or work collaboratively with incentivized reduction
and recycling programs, such as SAYT (save-as-you-throw)?

Metering and auditing could be accomplished more expeditiously at the Waste

Corrals than on the sidewalks. The SAYT program would be introduced and
explained to the participants of the pilot program. Stick-on consecutively-
numbered bar code labels can be attached and scanners provided. The label
would be scanned prior to the waste bag being deposited into the corrals.
Results tabulated at the end of the pilot program.

4. Describe the business model. Do you expect sponsorship to be part of the business model
for the operation and maintenance of the product or system?

Signage on the fenced enclosures would provide an opportunity for sponsorship

that would help allay the costs of clean-up and maintenance of the enclosed

CHEKPEDS Page 10 5/30/19



area. Building superintendents and management companies are being

consulted in the earliest stages of this project, to ensure buy-in and
participation (TOSS Survey, appendix 4).
We are also proposing an introductory service whereby a supplementary
sanitation company will bring the bags from the buildings to the waste corrals
three times a week. After a short period, the building will be given the option to
continue to pay for the service, or to get their superintendent to do it themselves.
After a phase-in period, buildings that deposit refuse on the sidewalk would be
issued summonses.

5. What is the projected useful life of the product or system?

Once containers are installed, the system could continue indefinitely. We

anticipate that some repairs and possibly a replacement of some enclosures
may have to occur every five years.

6. Is the product or system licensed or patented?

No.

CHEKPEDS Page 11 5/30/19

APPENDIX 1 - SITE PLAN
APPENDIX 2 - PLAN DETAILS
 APPENDIX 3 - PILOT COSTS

TOSS - West 45th Street ( 9/10) Pilot Costs

Typical side street - one time # # waste cost/ waste cost/

costs buildings corrals corral building

Fence + Wheel blocks (1) 34 6 $889 $157 includes installation

Wheel blocks only (2) 34 6 $180 $32 includes installation

service Cost/ building/ servicecal Cost/ building/

Typical Side street - Recurring # # waste cost/ waste
calls/ month/ all ls/ month/recycling
costs buildings corrals corral/ year
week(5) waste week(6) only

Corral Cleaning only (3) 34 6 $3,889 3 $57 1 $19

Concierge Service (building to

34 6 $7,777 6 $114 2 $38
corral + corral cleaning) (4)

(1) A fence is required as long as no containers are used and the bags are simply relocated in the corral from the sidewalk . Once
containers re used, the fence is still strongly recommeneded since containers overflow, leak and people may leave bags around
them
(2) The city could opt for installing wheel blocks only to delineate the perimeter, when containers are used. However, this leaves
unsightly waste overflow exposed to nearby residents. It also poses the risk of bags being misplaced in adjacent traffic lane or
parking spaces. Wheel blocks could be sufficent if the waste corral is located on a wide street or avenue with no adjacent
residences .
(3) Supplemental sanitation workers would come on the mornings after waste pickup to clean up the waste corrals
(4) Supplemental sanitation workers would come before the evening waste pick up to transfer bags from the buildings to the
waste corrals. They would return on the mornings after waste pickup to clean up the waste corrals

(5) sanitation picks up waste three times a week inluding recycling

(6) sanitation picks up recyclable waste one time a week

CHEKPEDS - TOSS 5/16/19

 APPENDIX 4 - SURVEY

Trash Off TOSS Sidewalk Space

We are Chekpeds, a community-based organization working with residents, businesses,

and city agencies to help improve pedestrian safety and quality of life in our
neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

The New York City Department of Sanitation is seeking ideas to better manage the ever-
growing amount of recycling and household waste that is left on our sidewalks for
collection.

We’d like your input to be included in our proposal. It will take two minutes.

1. In which type of trash have you seen the greatest increase?

Plastics/Metals ( ) - Paper/Cardboard ( ) - Household Waste ( )

2. Is there enough space in your building to store waste and recycling?

Yes ( ) No ( )

3. Do you coordinate with neighboring buildings as to where to place

waste and recycling for collection?

Yes ( ) No ( )

4. For waste disposal, which buildings are you responsible for?

Building address(es)
Number of units:

5. What is your role?

Owner ( ) Building Manager( ) Superintendent( ) Individual( ) Other( )

 Trash Off TOSS Sidewalk Space

6. Would it be helpful to be able to put out plastics/metals or paper

during the week?

Yes ( ) No ( )

7. Would it be helpful to combine your recycling with other buildings at

common location near your building?

Yes ( ) No ( )

8. How do Alternate Side of the Street Cleaning regulations affect your

waste and recycling collection?

More difficult ( ) Less difficult ( ) No difference ( )

9. Other thoughts?

Your suggestions, ideas and comments for this project are greatly
appreciated and we welcome your continuing input as this sanitation
project progresses. Please contact Chekpeds members directly.

Thank you,
Chekpeds

Name: __________________________________________________________

Phone#: _____________________Email: ______________________________

 Trash Off TOSS Sidewalk Space

Somos Chekpeds, una organización fundada en esta comunidad. Trabajamos por el

beneficio de nuestros vecinos, negocios y agencias, ayudando a mejorar la seguridad
peatonal y la calidad de vida en Chelsea y Hell’s Kitchen.

El departamento de saneamiento de la Cuidad de Nueva York necesita ideas para

mejorar el manejo en el incremento de la cantidad de residuos domésticos y reciclaje
que se deja actualmente en nuestras aceras para ser recolectado.

Nos gustaría poder incluir su opinión en nuestra propuesta.

1. ¿En que tipo de basura usted ha visto un mayor incremento?

Plástico/Metal ( ) Papel/Cartón ( ) Residuos domésticos ( )

2. ¿Hay suficiente espacio en su edificio para almacenar la basura y el

reciclaje?

Si ( ) No ( )

3. ¿Coordina usted con los edificios vecinos en donde poner la basura y

el reciclaje para ser recolectado por el departamento de saneamiento?

Si ( ) No ( )

4. En el caso del manejo de basura, ¿De cuales edificios es usted

responsable?
Dirección del edificio:
Cantidad de unidades:

5. ¿Cual es su función?

Propietario ( ) Gerente ( ) Encargado ( ) Inquilino ( ) Otro ( )

 Trash Off TOSS Sidewalk Space

6. Actualmente el reciclaje es recolectado una vez a la semana. ¿Le

ayudaría mas poder sacar el plástico/metal o el papel durante la
semana?

Si ( ) No ( )

7. ¿Le ayudaría mas poder combinar el reciclaje de su edifico con el de

otros edificios, en una ubicación cercana que sea comunitaria?

Si ( ) No ( )

8. ¿Como le afectan a usted las regulaciones de limpieza alternada de los

cordones de la vereda (Alternate Side of the Street Cleaning) para la
recolección de desechos y reciclaje?

Es mas difícil ( ) Le ayuda ( ) No hay diferencia ( )

9. ¿Otras ideas?

Por favor contacte a los miembros de Chekpeds directamente. Su opinión

es bienvenida en el progreso de este proyecto. Valoramos sus ideas,
sugerencias y comentarios.

Muchas gracias
Chekpeds

Nombre: _______________________________________________________

Teléfono: _________________ Email: _______________________________