2019: MSWAB's Year in Review

The Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board celebrated a productive 2019 during the organization’s final meeting of the year, summarizing progress toward key initiatives such as promoting foam alternatives, residential recycling, organics diversion, and pharmaceutical waste diversion.

Thanks to all who contributed to a successful 2019. Highlights from our year include:

MSWAB Monthly Meeting Speakers

  • MSWAB members Maggie Clarke and Amy Uong delivered presentations on the economics of recycling and climate and consumption, respectively

  • Representatives from DSNY, Upstream, the Oregon DEC, and New York City Citizen’s Committee discussed topics such as the High Line, NYC’s Zero Waste Plan, and sustainable materials management

Public Forums and Public Outreach

MSWAB both hosted and participated in events with partners from around the city

  • DSNY Food Waste Fair -  May 23 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard

  • Is NYC Ready for the Green New Deal - June 20 at the Abrams Art Center

    • Panel participants included Professor Robert Hockett, NYC Council Member Antonio Reynoso, Closed Loop Fund CEO Ron Gonen, and NYC DEP’s Jennifer McDonnell

  • NYCxReuse - June 21 at Metropolitan Pavilion

  • Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle Fair - October 6 the Mathews-Palmer Playground

  • Residential Recycling Forum - October 7 at the Loft at Marble Church

    • Speakers included MSWAB Chair Jacquelyn Ottman, DSNY’s Sam Sepulveda, and Sims General Manager Tom Outerbridge

  • NYC Recycles Day - November 10 in Union Square

  • Microplastics Madness Movie Screening - November 18 at the Abrams Art Center

  • 30th Anniversary “Pearl Jubilee” Fundraiser - December 5 at The Durst Organization

Record-Breaking Grants

  • In combination with our partners, the MSWAB donated $79,860 to 102 grantees

Legislative Policy and Program Input

Board members contributed input on legislation across the city and state

  • Save As You Throw

  • Organics Diversion

  • Commercial Waste Zones

  • The Green New Deal

  • Construction and Demolition Waste

  • Foam Ban Implementation

  • NYSDEC’s Long Range Plan

  • Mandatory Zero Waste Legislation

  • New York State Climate Assembly

Other Initiatives

The board strengthened partnerships with the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, the new Queens SWAB, and Pratt Industries (Manhattan Paper Challenge)