AGENCY TESTIMONY
Response to pre-considered introduction on bin reimbursement program
0:19:47
·
100 sec
Commissioner Tisch addresses the pre-considered introduction sponsored by Council Member Salaam, which proposes a reimbursement program for property owners who purchase the official NYC bin.
- Reminds the council that the official NYC bin is already significantly cheaper than similar quality bins due to DSNY's strategic planning and contracting
- Highlights the high potential cost of a reimbursement program, estimating $36 million to reimburse one bin per eligible property
- Mentions logistical challenges and administrative costs associated with implementing a reimbursement program
- Maintains that the low cost of individual bins should be the responsibility of property owners
- Expresses willingness to explore other ways to help property owners obtain bins
Jessica Tisch
0:19:47
There certainly may be some municipal buildings that can support an empire bin, and we would be happy to work with the chair on a revision that achieves the goal of universal containerization while maximizing the use of public space.
0:20:02
The 3rd pre considered introduction sponsored by council member Salam would create a reimbursement program for property owners who purchase the official NYC bin seen beside me here at the table, subject to future appropriations.
0:20:16
I would like to remind the council that, thanks to careful strategic planning and contracting by DSNY, this bin is the cheapest of its quality by far, around $50 when similar bins can be well over a100.
0:20:30
While each individual bin is inexpensive, the cost of a program like the one described in this bill would be quite high given the overall number of bins purchased.
0:20:39
Paying for 1 bin for each of the properties covered by this requirement would cost approximately $36,000,000, and reimbursing all bins purchased to date would cost approximately $22,000,000.
0:20:51
That is to say nothing of logistical challenges involved in a reimbursement program, verifying receipts, distributing checks, all of which would come with high staffing and administrative costs.
0:21:03
We maintain that the low cost of each individual bin is the responsibility of the property owner, particularly given that it is the property owner who reaps the benefit in quality of life of not having bags of trash outside their home.
0:21:17
That said, we welcome the opportunity to work with the council to explore even more ways to help property owners get these bins, and the law department is reviewing the bill.
