Sanitation to switch over to winter schedule, ensuring proper preparedness

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is warming up for winter.

The agency began its annual “Night Plow” operations Monday evening, November 13, the seasonal schedule change that enables DSNY to respond promptly and effectively to snow and ice conditions around the clock.

During this time, however, local residents’ normal trash and recycling collection times may change temporarily.

The switch-up assures that the agency will have a sufficient number of employees assigned to work both the night and early morning shifts, and to operate essential snow fighting equipment in each of the city’s 59 sanitation districts.

“Night Plow operations are essential in our ability to prepare for the snow season,” said DSNY Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “Night Plow allows us to schedule sanitation workers round-the-clock, therefore transitioning these critical first responders to snow fighting operations in a more efficient manner. When they are not on snow and ice removal duty, the night shift will collect household trash and recycling. We advise these crews to work as quietly as possible.”

The two shifts are 4 p.m. to midnight, and midnight to 8 a.m. The day shift starts at 6 a.m.

DSNY’s snow season lasts through mid-April.