BAY RIDGE — A presentation was made by the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District on new garbage bins in the area during the Community Board 10 Environmental Committee on April 23.
Elizabeth Lovejoy, the BID’s executive director, explained that the New York City Department of Sanitation mandated all BIDs in the city to implement containerization as of Aug. 1, 2025.
Elizabeth Lovejoy. Photo: Elizabeth Lovejoy
“BIDs can no longer place refuse or garbage bags on the corners of the curbs,” she said. “All BIDs collect waste because the DSNY is not differentiating public trash versus BID trash, but it’s all public trash. It must be containerized using bins 55 gallons or smaller with secure lids or another DSNY-approved containerization method.”
If BIDS did not comply, they would be issued summonses or fines starting in January.
When DSNY did not issue a formal written policy, it raised concerns for BIDs.
“The BIDs were contracted with the Department of Small Business Services to provide supplemental sanitation, not replace DSNY services,” Lovejoy said. “Also, it did constitute an unfunded mandate. How could we implement this with private dollars as a nonprofit organization? There are also significant concerns regarding unintended consequences, and unfortunately, that’s what we’re seeing now. Even though we have 20 bins in the district, there’s still evidence of illegal dumping on corners.”
Due to pushback, DSNY delayed enforcement and began working with individual BIDs to identify and recommend locations of the containers. The new bin locations at the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID are: 6701, 6729, 6739, 6801, 6902, 7101, 7134, 7301, 7321, 7428,7601, 7626, 7801, 7901, 8001, 8125, 8226, 8325, 8424, and 8425.
“The placement is not random,” Lovejoy said. “Each location was very carefully selected based on existing street infrastructure and regulatory constraints. They’re cited in compliance with DOT requirements as well, including placement within furnishing zones, while accounting for utility access points, bus stops, hydrants, and that significantly limits the placement options.”
Trash has been seen around Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge following installation of new garbage bins. Photo: Laura Marmo
Josephine Beckmann, the CB10 district manager, described the new corner bins, which include a storage area and the protocol.
“Your BID workers continue to service the baskets that are on the corner in this bin, and then they’ll place the bag inside the storage area,” she said. “I’ve noticed it doesn’t seem like much has changed in terms of your staff that provides supplemental cleaning service.”
Lovejoy said the BID’s supplemental sanitation team works seven days a week, eight hours a day. She also noted DSNY no longer services the green corner receptacles, so it had to remove them.
Concerns have been raised by locals about trash being placed around the area.
“It is distressing to see this situation in our neighborhood, Bay Ridge,” said resident Laura Marmo. “There was never an answer given on why pails were decreased, only one on each intersection of Fifth Avenue. They alternate on each side of the avenue, causing people to walk several blocks for a pail. There were studies a few years ago on removing pails, thinking people wouldn’t litter. Well, having fewer pails only widens the space for people to deposit residential garbage.”
Beckmann and Lovejoy touched on these concerns during the meeting.
“I think a big issue that we hear about here in the district office is the misuse of the corner baskets,” Beckmann said. “I think it’s a problem not only on Fifth Avenue, but it’s also a problem in other areas.”
Trash has been seen around Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge following installation of new garbage bins. Photo: Laura Marmo
“I have witnessed businesses illegally dump pallets and boxes along the avenue, even today,” Lovejoy said. “Businesses have to have commercial carting by law and their own containers, and residents must also get containers. Last week I witnessed one individual who lives on 81st between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, rolled down his container — his official bin — turned it around, tossed everything in the receptacle and brought it back to his house.”
When asked if the BID could clean up the area if there is corner dumping, Lovejoy said that when it gets complaints, the BID usually notifies DSNY. “It’s definitely tough,” Beckmann said. “It’s a learning curve.”
Good news may be coming, Lovejoy told the Brooklyn Eagle following the meeting. The BID has been in ongoing communication with Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso’s office, and DSNY agreed to place corner waste baskets, with the agency responsible for their servicing and maintenance.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
