Description

• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste refers to all solid waste byproducts from the renovation, demolition, and installation involved in construction.  Typical examples of construction waste are demolished concrete blocks, stones, dirt generated during excavation, bricks, pipes, electrical conduit, tiles, asphalt, wood (treated, painted and clean), metal (ferrous and non-ferrous), lumber, and miscellaneous materials (dry wall, insulation, light fixtures, carpeting, etc.). Planning and executing projects to minimize C&D waste is an important step towards reducing embodied carbon emissions from NYCHA buildings. Plans to minimize and recycle C&D waste must happen early on in a capital project to provide the most benefit at the lowest cost.  

Baseline

• Wherever possible waste materials should be salvaged for reuse, and efforts should be taken by site supervisors, maintenance workers, and contractors to reduce cuts and unnecessary construction waste. Recycling conserves resources, reduces disposal fees, and diverts materials from landfills.  
• Refer to NYCHA specification 01 74 19 for required construction waste diversion requirements. All waste materials should follow NY city and state guidelines for proper containment, carting, disposal, and recycling.  

Stretch

• Implement strategies described in the EDC’s Clean and Circular Design & Construction Guidelines and embed C&D waste in project workflow from project initiation through design and construction.  
• Partner with city agencies, like OER’s Clean Soil Bank, to divert reusable materials from the waste stream. [SA] 
• In construction projects where the removal of healthy trees is required, implement a tree reuse program where wood from the removal of healthy trees can be salvaged for lumber, mulch, or site furniture. [SA]  
• If trees are to be mulched, require contractor to offer mulch to Property Management for use on site, or NYCHA Health Initiatives for use in resident community gardens.  

RAD Conversions 

• In line with OneNYC’s goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030, NYCHA aims to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (“C&D”) waste that is disposed in landfills and incineration facilities through material recovery, reuse, and recycling. Building on mandatory requirements for Enterprise Green Communities Criteria item 6.10 Construction Waste Management, the RAD Conversion Partner will be required to select Option 1 and submit a C&D Waste Management Plan for new construction and rehabilitation work at the Properties that establishes project-specific waste estimates, waste diversion goals, waste prevention measures, reuse inventory, communication plan, contamination prevention measures, and a recycling facility list (see RAD Conversion Construction Waste Management Plan Template). 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:13 pm

Description

• A garbage chute system is a long vertical space that has size ranging from 24” to 32”, passing by each floor in a building. It includes a door on each floor where residents can dispose of their garbage into the chute. Current building code requires that this door is contained in a small room on each floor. In older buildings, the door is accessed directly from the corridor. In older buildings, chute is a masonry shaft rather than a steel tube. Garbage placed in the chute drops to a compactor  in a room in the at the bottom located in the cellar or ground floor.  
• Projects in this scope area may include installing a new stainless-steel chutes or, chute doors. The full, detailed scope of work for this project including any additional work areas will be updated here after alignment with project stakeholders through scoping and design activities.  

Baseline

• Use appropriate self-closing, fire-rated chute doors to maintain a fire-rated enclosure and reduce chances of fire-spreading between floors.  
• Install sprinkler nozzles in the compactor hopper and transition chute areas. 
• Replace hopper doors as large as possible (follow fire code requirements for maximum area, preferably able to fit a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bag) and include back pan to prevent larger objects from entering chutes. [COMPMOD] [WM] 

Stretch

• Convert existing masonry incinerator chutes to steel waste chutes with sprinklers to code.  
• Provide chute access room with the space for bins to separate waste at the apartment floor level into recycling, trash, and compost.  
• Refinish area around hopper door with durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.  
• Centralized locking and unlocking of hopper doors. 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

CompMod

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:13 pm

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Specifications

CPDDESIGN2016002 - Compactor Stacks_Refuse Chutes_151026

CPDDESIGN2016007 - Rehab_Alteration_of_Existing_Active _Masonry_Chimneys

Compactor stack condition

Details

S-DT_compactor stack_NYCHA STD DETAILS

S-DT_COMPACTOR STACK

S-DT_S011-compactor stack

S-DT_150709 S012

S-DT_S011 060222

A-DT_150709 A011

Description

• Pest and waste management at NYCHA properties involves the implementation of strategies and practices to control and mitigate the presence of pests and effectively to manage waste disposal within the premises. This encompasses measures such as regular inspections, pest control treatments, proper waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and efficient garbage disposal methods. The benefits of effective pest and waste management extend far beyond mere cleanliness; they contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of residents. By minimizing the presence of pests such as rodents, insects, and other disease vectors, these efforts reduce the risk of disease transmission and allergic reactions among residents. Moreover, proper waste management not only ensures a cleaner environment but also helps prevent environmental contamination and the spread of harmful pathogens. Additionally, implementing sustainable waste management practices can lead to cost savings, improved community hygiene, and enhanced overall quality of life for residents. Overall, investing in pest and waste management at residential properties not only promotes a healthier living environment but also fosters a sense of security and satisfaction among residents. 
• Exterior pest management at NYCHA properties involves implementing best practices for trash receptacles at NYCHA properties, which involves ensuring proper placement, maintenance, and management of waste bins. This includes strategically locating receptacles in easily accessible areas, providing adequate signage for waste segregation, regularly emptying bins to prevent overflow and pest infestation, and implementing recycling programs to minimize waste. The benefits of adhering to these practices are manifold, particularly in terms of promoting the health and safety of residents. By maintaining clean and organized waste disposal areas, the risk of accidents, such as slips and falls, is reduced. Additionally, proper waste management helps to control the proliferation of pests, such as rodents and insects, which can carry harmful diseases to residents. Furthermore, recycling initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also foster a sense of community responsibility and pride among residents. Overall, adhering to best practices for trash receptacles not only enhances the aesthetics of residential properties but also significantly contributes to the overall well-being and safety of residents. 
• Interior pest management at NYCHA properties involves a multifaceted approach, including regular inspections, preventive measures, and targeted treatments. These protocols should focus on identifying and addressing potential entry points for pests, such as cracks and gaps in walls or floors, as well as implementing sanitation practices to minimize attractants like food crumbs or standing water. Utilizing non-toxic or low-toxicity pest control methods, such as baits or traps, can help reduce the risk to residents and pets while effectively managing pest populations. By prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly pest control methods, opportunities arise for reducing environmental impact and enhancing overall community well-being. 

Baseline

• Comply with the HUD Agreement, which mandates the implementation of IPM principles and daily inspections; and mandates NYCHA store waste, including recyclables in pest-resistant containers until removed from the site or staff remove trash from site at least once per day.
• Exterior IPM
  • Use of porous materials that allow drainage while stopping rodent and pest infiltration.  
  • Use metal screens in plantings that don’t provide continuous ground cover. 
  • Dispose of waste promptly. [SA] 
  • Minimize the use of toxic pesticides. [SA] 
  • Design landscaping to preserve clear sightlines and minimize the potential to host pests. [CCG] 
• Interior IPM
  • Seal all wall, floor, and joint penetrations with low-VOC caulk or other non-toxic methods (window screens, door sweeps, metal plates).
  • Install rodent- and corrosion-proof material (i.e., copper, or stainless-steel mesh or rigid metal cloth) for openings large than 1⁄4 inch.
  • Seal entry points under kitchen and bathroom sinks. These items will provide the added benefit of sealing air leaks and will save energy and increase tenant comfort.
  • Educate residents on the Integrated Pest Management Toolkit. [COMPMOD] [SA]

Stretch

• Adopt a personalized IPM action plan for each development, which includes putting wire mesh in structural holes to keep rats out; sealing window wells; putting gravel, bark chips, or wire mesh in raised beds. [SA]

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Sustainability AgendaCommercial BathroomsCommunity CentersCommercial KitchensEntrywaysConnected Communities

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:14 pm

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NYCHA Waste Management Handover Guide

Diagrams

Description

• Interior trash compactor rooms at NYCHA apartment buildings are critical spaces for waste management on the properties. Interior compactors have replaced garbage incineration in the buildings and require staff to manually move material from these rooms to a centralized location on the property. These rooms should be designed with sufficient space and ventilation to prevent odors and promote air quality. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the compactor equipment are essential to ensure efficient operation and minimize the risk of malfunctions. The benefits of these best practices extend to the health and safety of residents in various ways.  

Baseline

• Install new interior compactors (per NYCHA spec) in existing compactor rooms. [COMPMOD] 
• When trash compactors break down and need repair, post signage in the building to notify residents of the expected duration of the outage and provide clear instruction on alternate, conveniently located trash collection locations. [WM] 
• Ensure a functioning sprinkler system, standard NYCHA lighting, and hose bib is available for cleaning. 
• If resurfacing or replacing interior compactor room floor, ensure concrete floor is sloped to floor drain. 

Stretch

• Improve ventilation of interior compactor room. 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

CompMod

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:17 pm

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A-DT_wear strips for Komar Auger Bulk Crusher

E-DT_E001_Auger Bulk Crusher Electrical Diagram

E-DT_E001_Bulk Crushers Electrical Diagram

Description

• Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Composting has many environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts. Compost is used by residents and grounds staff to support trees, flowers and vegetable gardens at NYCHA. 

Baseline

• Provide convenient access to food scrap disposal to allow residents to Participate in DSNY organics collection where possible. Include provisions for training and ongoing maintenance. [COMPMOD] [WM] 

Stretch

• Partner with community organizations, like Green City Force or Compost Power, to implement  composting programs. [SA] 
• Incorporate composting program into on-site community gardens. [SA] 

RAD Conversions 

• Comply with Local Law 85 of 2023, which makes source separation of residential organic waste in NYC mandatory. 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

CompModRADSustainability Agenda

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:24 pm

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S-DT_S012-compactor stack

Description

• NYCHA’s large campus properties are well-suited to managing waste with pneumatic systems. Pneumatic waste systems automatically move waste to a central collection location. They are completely sealed and thus can isolate the waste from rats, eliminate chute clogs and waste spillage, allow for recyclables and organics source separation, and work reliably regardless of weather. An automated pneumatic waste system has operated successfully on Roosevelt Island for 50 years. [WM] 

Baseline

• There is no baseline requirement for pneumatic waste disposal for NYCHA buildings.  

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:25 pm

Description

• NYCHA buildings were built before source separation of residential recyclable materials became mandatory in NYC (Local Law 18 of 1989) and do not include recycling facilities. Providing residents with convenient access to receptacles for household recyclables includes strategically locating receptacles that are appropriately sized to encourage use and prevent overflow and pest infestation between servicing. In addition to recycling facilities for household recycling, smaller receptacles for pedestrian litter are provided along walkways and gathering spaces.  

Baseline

• Use NYCHA waste calculator to estimate daily volume of recyclables generated by each building. Provide recycling station with a minimum of 3 receptacles for household material streams: paper/cardboard, bulky trash, and metal/glass/plastic/cartons. Large capacity wheeled bins for each stream must be stored in locked, powder-coated steel enclosures with wide, ADA accessible apertures for resident disposal.
• Use themed trash receptacles to provide visual cues to residents regarding waste stream separation. [WM]
• Increase the capacity of recycling centers to accommodate and to reduce contamination between waste streams. Refer to the Zero Waste Design Guidelines. 
• Co-locate trash receptacles with recycling stations.  
• Locate receptacles for household recyclables in easily accessible areas for residents. [CCG] Consider the location and physical needs of waste management areas to minimize their effect on open spaces. 
• Locate powder-coated or painted steel receptacles for pedestrian litter along walkways and plazas, play areas, and exterior gathering spaces. [WM] 
• Anchor receptacles to a concrete footing with no cable or chain attachments. 
• Use themed receptacles to provide visual cues to residents regarding waste stream separation. Signage on receptacles must indicate what types of materials can be deposited into each container. [WM] 

Stretch

• Provide wayfinding signage and clear communications elsewhere on the property for residents to get household trash, recyclables, and bulk waste to their proper destination. [SA] 
• Provide recycling rooms on every residential floor or lobby-level indoor recycling room by repurposing underused storage rooms and make them accessible to all residents. Where space is available, include recycling room in scope when redesigning building entries. Room must be fire rated for at least two hours and must include ventilation, hose bib, floor drain. Door should include window and controlled access with key fob entry if building has layered access control. [COMPMOD] 
• Where organics collection is provided within a NYCHA property, consider including 4^th bin for food scraps with bins for household recyclables. 

RAD Conversions 

• Comply with Local Law 18 of 1989, which makes source separation of residential recyclable materials in NYC mandatory.  
• Provide recycling rooms on every residential floor or lobby-level indoor recycling room by repurposing underused storage rooms and make them accessible to all residents. Where space is available, include recycling room in scope when redesigning building entries. Room must be fire rated for at least two hours and must include ventilation, hose bib, floor drain. Door should include window and controlled access with key fob entry if building has layered access control.  

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Commercial BathroomsCommunity CentersCommercial KitchensEntryways

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:26 pm

Description

• Projects in this scope area may include repairing, replacing or installing new large compactors for trash and bulk and storage for recyclables located in a gated yard. This encompasses actions such as asphalt paving, entry gates and fencing, utilities for equipment, lighting, and CCTV. The full, detailed scope of work for this kind of project including any additional work areas are updated after alignment with project stakeholders through scoping and design activities.  
• Design of exterior waste yards at NYCHA properties should consider the complete process of transferring, storing and removing trash and recycling from the development. Careful planning and attention to various factors such as location, storage requirements for recycling, and truck access for staff and DSNY trucks is critical. Waste yards should be strategically positioned to minimize noise and odor nuisances for residents while ensuring easy access for staff and DSNY. Adequate lighting and surveillance enhance security and deter unauthorized dumping and scavenging. Well-designed exterior compactor yards can improve working conditions for staff and the overall aesthetics and livability of open space, fostering a sense of community pride and enhancing the quality of life for residents. 

Baseline

• Hydraulic compactors and open 30-yard containers utilized for bulk collection should be replaced by an auger compactor for combined household and bulk waste. The containers connected to the auger compactor will be collected by DSNY. Reference NYCHA specifications and the DSNY Roll On Roll Off Container Guide for minimum specifications and documentation required for equipment approval. [WM] 
• Use NYCHA waste calculator to determine appropriate size of storage required to manage recyclables prior to collection. Ensure that recyclables storage is pest-proof and accessible to DSNY curbside collection trucks. Calculations and planned containerization must be confirmed with NYCHA Sustainability. 
• All new mechanical equipment (exterior compactor, baler, etc.) must be compatible with Building Management Systems (BMS). [SA] 
• Provide auger compactor or enclosed storage for cardboard collection. [SA] 
• Provide storage for all recycling streams including organics, mattress and e-waste.  
• Minimize the number of waste yards and minimize gates and curb cuts at sidewalks for pedestrian safety. 
• Follow Department of Sanitation (DSNY) guidelines and provide NYCHA standard lighting. 
• Use 8 foot fencing and gates to screen compactor areas.  
• Increase the capacity of recycling centers to accommodate and to reduce contamination between waste streams. Refer to the Zero Waste Design Guidelines. 

Stretch 

• Where community gardens are adjacent the waste yard, leverage construction to provide hose bib and electrical outlet on the exterior of the waste yard accessible to gardeners.  
• Provide wayfinding signage and clear communications elsewhere on the property for residents to get household trash, recyclables, and bulk waste to their proper destination. [SA] 
• Consider the fencing of a waste yard as the perimeter system that residents and/or the general public interact with. Provide enhancements to the fence’s design or features (is there a shade structure built in with adjacent seating? Can the fence be visually appealing for a nearby garden? etc.).  
• Designate storage at the perimeter of the waste yard for use by resident groups or community-based organizations, with independent access from outside the waste yard. 
• Coordinate waste yard design with open space master planning and other grounds improvements. Reference the Connected Communities Guidebook and engage residents to incorporate color, graphics and text to improve aesthetics and wayfinding. 

RAD Conversions 

• If a property hosts exterior waste equipment used by other developments, the RAD Conversion Partner must continue to provide access to the shared equipment.  
• If a property uses shared exterior equipment at a development retained by NYCHA, the RAD Conversion Partner must install and maintain its own exterior equipment.  
• Reference and complete the NYCHA Waste Management Handover Document and NYCHA Waste Calculator. 

Additional Reference Materials

Strategies

Promote Safety and Security of Residents & Staff

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

RADSustainability AgendaConnected Communities

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:27 pm

Downloads and Data

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Specifications

NYCHA Waste Management Handover Guide

NYCHA Waste Calculator - 2.5

Diagrams

Details

A-DT_6sbf_conn_gate

A-DT_20 foot wide double gate in curb

A-DT_Compactor and Bulk Pre-Crusher Layouts

A-DT_gate15

A-DT_gate15_flush

A-DT_gate20_flush

A-DT_gate20_reveal

A-DT_gatepost connection

A-DT_louver_3_curb

A-DT_louver_3_wall

A-DT_louver_6_wall

A-DT_louver_conn_fence

A-DT_louver_conn_gate

A-DT_louver_conn_gate2

A-DT_louver_conn_gate3

A-DT_louver_flush_curb

A-DT_louver_masonry_conn

A-DT_louver_wall_filler

A-DT_raised_conc_pad

A-DT_Recycle

A-DT_Recycle with Trash

A-DT_wall_louver_form_free standing

A-DT_wall_louver_noform_free standing

A-DT_2017_Crusher_Title Block_1

A-DT_Bulk Crusher Detail

A-DT_Bulk Crusher_Single_Typ

A-DT_cart

A-DT_Compactor and Bulk Pre-Crusher Layouts

A-DT_Ext. Compactor Single Typ

A-DT_wear strips for Cram-a-Lot Compactor

E-DT_E001_Exterior Compactor_Electrical Diagram

E-DT_E001_Exterior Compactor Electrical - Block Diagram

E-DT_Elect_hookup for compactor

E-DT_pwr_encl_both

E-DT_pwr_encl_single

A-DT_Sign_on_Fence Play Equipment