New York

When a Great City Decides to Change

New York is a city accustomed to solving challenges that seem impossible. With more than 8.5 million residents, a population density exceeding 72,000 people per square kilometre in some areas of Manhattan, and nearly 20,000 tonnes of waste generated every day, urban waste management represents one of the city's greatest operational challenges.

For decades, much of this waste was placed directly in bags on sidewalks. This situation created recurring problems related to urban cleanliness, public space occupation, and pest infestations, becoming one of the main concerns for residents and local authorities.

Faced with this reality, the city made a historic decision: to launch an ambitious containerization programme aimed at completely modernizing its waste collection system.

An Unprecedented Challenge

The challenge facing the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) was extraordinarily complex.

Unlike many European cities, New York features high-density streets, very limited space available for waste infrastructure, and particularly demanding winter weather conditions. Heavy snowfall, ice, and the need to keep public roads clear ruled out many of the solutions commonly used in other markets.

To define the most appropriate strategy, DSNY conducted an extensive citywide analysis to identify which solutions would best fit different building types and neighbourhood densities.

The results were conclusive: 89% of residential streets could be containerized with minimal impact on public space, and high-capacity shared containers emerged as the most efficient solution for densely populated residential areas.

Choosing Side-Loading Technology

One of the key aspects of the project was selecting the right collection system.

After evaluating different alternatives, DSNY chose side-loading technology, a solution that offered significant advantages in terms of safety, operational efficiency, and adaptability to the urban environment.

The final strategy combined different solutions according to building size:

• Individual containers for smaller buildings.
• Side-loading solutions for large residential buildings.
• Hybrid models for intermediate-density areas.

This approach optimized available capacity, reduced public space occupancy, and significantly improved the citizen experience.

An International Tender to Transform the City

In 2024, DSNY launched an international tender to select the partner that would support New York throughout this transformation process.

The requirements were clear:

• High-capacity static side-loading containers.
• Polyethylene construction to improve safety, reduce noise, and enhance urban integration.
• A consistent cleaning and maintenance programme.
• The capability to deploy a pilot programme that could serve as the foundation for a future citywide rollout.

Following the evaluation process, CONTENUR was selected to participate in the project with its OVAL container, a solution specifically designed to meet the needs of the world's most demanding cities.

Much More Than a Container

CONTENUR was selected not only because of the technical features of its product.

The city was looking for a partner capable of providing a comprehensive approach that combined design, functionality, maintenance, and service.

The OVAL container stood out for its robustness, ergonomics, ease of use, and ability to integrate seamlessly into an urban environment as complex as New York. It was further supported by a service model focused on ensuring cleanliness, preventive maintenance, and maximum equipment availability throughout its lifecycle. The result: EMPIRE BIN.

The Results: West Harlem as the Starting Point

The first phase of the project began in 2025.

Following an initial deployment at educational facilities, the rollout continued in the West Harlem neighbourhood, where approximately 1,100 containers were installed, including those serving Columbia University.

The results confirmed the effectiveness of the model. DSNY particularly highlighted three key aspects:

• Product quality.
• Service performance.
• The low level of operational incidents recorded.

The experience has demonstrated that containerization not only improves urban cleanliness, but also helps reclaim public space, optimize collection operations, and enhance the city's image among residents and visitors alike.

An International Benchmark for the Cities of the Future

The New York project represents far more than the deployment of waste containers.

It is an example of how cities can tackle complex challenges through solutions tailored to their specific realities, combining innovation, urban design, and operational excellence.

For CONTENUR, being part of this transformation is further international recognition of a track record that is already present in some of the most demanding cities in the world.

Because when a city like New York places its trust in a solution, it is not simply choosing a product.

It is choosing a model capable of making the city work better every single day.

New York, the City That Never Sleeps. Now Containerized, Organized, and Clean.

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