NYCHA RECYCLING
The NYCHA Recycling Committee supports the improvement of recycling at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and expansion of resident access to recycling across the City of New York
We collaborate with NYCHA officials, environmental justice organizations and residential leaders. Our efforts center residential involvement and program development across all NYCHA campuses.
The History of Recycling at NYCHA
New York City’s Public Housing Authority (known as NYCHA) houses over 500,000 New Yorkers in over 300 campuses across the five boroughs. Residents and caretakers alike have issues with maintaining proper waste management on NYCHA campuses. Recycling was not available to NYCHA residents until 2015, and the uptake of the program has been slow.
Over the past few years, NYCHA has sought to address recycling and waste management concerns through improvements to infrastructure, staffing policies and residential engagement. After securing $563 million for waste infrastructure upgrades in NYCHA’s City Capital Action Plan, NYCHA has made concrete plans to redesign waste yards and upgrade waste machinery. The Sustainability Agenda defines NYCHA’s waste diversion targets, which focus on bringing recycling centers and compost collection services to all NYCHA campuses.
Solutions at NYCHA
We support the Inner City Green Team’s innovative door-to-door recycling service at Wagner Houses in East Harlem. They collect various waste streams from metal/glass/plastic and paper as well as textiles and soon organics. Learn more about their service >
cOMPOST POWER
We support Compost Power’s mission to build out sustainable community compost sites across NYC with an emphasis on underserved and marginalized communities. Learn more about their service >
Green CITY FORCE
We support Green City Force’s mission to enlist and train young leaders from low income housing communities to power a green and inclusive economy, through service while building a new and more equitable economy. Learn more about their service >
Find a NYCHA Development
Media Coverage
Resources
NYCHA’s 2021 City Capital Action Plan
NYCHA’s 2021 Sustainability Agenda (includes 2016 edition and progress reports)
NYCHA-resident led recycling initiative: Inner City Green Team
NYCHA-resident led compost initiative: Compost Power
NYCHA-resident led urban farming initiative: Green City Force
Glossary
New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT)
Rental Assistant Program (RAD)
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Solid Waste Advisoy Board (SWAB)
JOIN THE NYCHA RECYCLING COMMITTEE
The Manhattan SWAB NYCHA Recycling Committee consists of residential leaders, zero waste professionals and community advocates. The committee meets monthly on the first Thursday from 5:30-6:30 pm ET.
Contact us to join or learn more about how you can help support NYCHA’s growing recycling programs.
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