New York City Spends $1.6 Million on Trash Can Study

Well, folks, it looks like the Big Apple has finally discovered the revolutionary concept of… trash cans. Yes, you read that right. In a move that’s left many scratching their heads, New York City has shelled out a cool $1.6 million for a study on whether garbage should go in bags or bins. It’s almost as if common sense took a vacation and left the city’s decision-makers to their own devices. But before we dismiss this as just another bureaucratic blunder, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this “trash revolution” and see if there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The McKinsey Study: A $1.6 Million Revelation

In a move that’s raised eyebrows and sparked debates, New York City awarded McKinsey a $1.6 million contract to conduct a 20-week study on waste containerization. The study’s groundbreaking conclusion? Keeping trash in bins is more effective than leaving bags on sidewalks. Who would have thought?

Joshua Goodman, a spokesperson for the city’s sanitation department, defended the study, stating, “Basically, they analyzed billions of different records of trash pickups and helped determine the appropriate volume breakdowns by block for the entire city.”

The NYC Bin Revolution: A New Era in Waste Management

Starting November 12, 2024, all small buildings in NYC will be required to use official NYC Bins for garbage collection. These 35-gallon bins, priced at $46 each, are set to replace the familiar sight of trash bags lining city sidewalks. The initiative aims to reduce the city’s rat population and clean up NYC streets, addressing the staggering 44 million pounds of trash New Yorkers place on curbs daily.

McKinsey’s report, aptly titled “The Future of Trash,” recommends the “storage of waste in sealed, rodent-proof receptacles rather than in plastic bags” to “mechanize waste collection, reduce the visibility of garbage set out in public spaces, and reduce the presence of vermin.”

Public Reaction and Long-Term Benefits

The study and resulting bin program have sparked mixed reactions, including mockery and criticism on social media. One user quipped, “If you’re bad at spending money, just remember that NYC paid McKinsey $4 million for a study on whether trash bags should go in trash cans.”

However, the initiative includes investment in new automatic side-loading trucks for the new trash cans, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to waste management. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the goal to “containerize more than 70% of the city’s trash to protect our most valuable and limited resource — our public space.”

While the price tag of the study has raised questions, the long-term benefits of a cleaner, more efficient waste management system could potentially outweigh the initial costs. Only time will tell if this “trash revolution” will truly clean up New York’s streets or if it will be remembered as just another expensive lesson in the obvious.