News + Press

August 1, 2023

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is implementing a new rule to send rats packing. Starting August 1st, all food-related businesses in NYC must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash for collection.

This rule impacts catering establishments, food manufacturers, food preparation establishments, food service establishments, food wholesalers, and retail food stores. Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bodegas, caterers, or other businesses that sell or handle food must comply.

Any putrescible material (refuse or organic material) set out on the curb for collection must be in a container with a secure lid. This requirement does not apply to other recyclables (metal, glass, plastic, or paper) or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk.

Per recent setout rules, businesses that place waste on the curb have two options:

  • Place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing or after 8:00 PM

Make sure you’re in compliance by clicking through to the DSNY website for complete rule details.

Additionally, DSNY is hosting a series of one-hour information sessions on this new rule through August 28th. You can register for one of these sessions by clicking on a date & time below:

Thursday, August 3, 11:30 AM

Friday, August 11, 2:00 PM

Tuesday, August 15, 6:00 PM

Thursday, August 24, 4:00 PM

Monday, August 28, 11:30 AM

Header & Thumbnail Photo Credit: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

Celebrating Our Recent Accomplishments!

In recent months, the 161st Street BID has:

  • Brought in a total of $500,000+ in grant money coming from SBS, City Parks Foundation, Verizon, Jamestown Properties, New York Yankees, Bronx Terminal Market and the Make Music New York Foundation since February of 2022;

  • Launched a new website that you're viewing now!;

  • Made our social media pages active (Instagram: @161streetbid, Linkedin: 161st Street Business Improvement District, Facebook: 161st Street Business Improvement District;

  • Rebranded our BID;

  • Brought new events to the district including Open Streets, Halloween Fun in the 161, movie nights, increased our lunchtime concert series and enhanced Make Music New York day;

  • Introduced a movie series that features local Bronx filmmakers with a partnership with Bronx Independent Cinema and started our own movie night series through NYC Department of Transportation's Open Streets initiative;

  • Increased beautification efforts by hiring a part time special projects member to remove graffiti and stickers throughout the district, repaint signs and furniture throughout and help with the general look and feel of the area;

  • Increased holiday lights in the district;

  • Created a texting alert system so that our BID can reach out to our businesses in case there is ever an emergency;

  • Worked with LeMonde Studio to bring a public art activation to Lou Gehrig Plaza called "The Big Apple" and a baseball photo booth activation near Yankee Stadium; 

  • Partnered with NYC Department of Transportation and Citibin to collect trash bags on the street that are brought to a central location which helps our rat problem;

  • Was granted the Avenue NYC grant with NYC Department of Small Business Services which allows our BID to hire a Program Manager.

And that’s just the start. There’s much more to come, including:

  • Installing new tree guards at select locations;

  • Working with the Horticultural Society of New York to spruce up the neighborhood;

  • Working with the Yankees to fix the Yankee Village Kiosk;

  • Exploring opportunities for a digital kiosk in the district the BID maintains;

  • Creating a map of the district;

  • Applying to the Plaza Program so that the BID has complete control of Lou Gehrig Plaza which will bring us an additional revenue stream

  • And so much more.

Press Releases

October 31, 2022
Halloween Fun in the 161