Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) --- How long before New Yorkers start using the city's new pizza-box-shaped trash cans to toss their everyday litter?
The wait shouldn't be too long since the Department of Sanitation has already placed six custom-designed bins around the five boroughs ahead of the Labor Day weekend, officials said Friday.
By separating the pizza boxes from other garbage, officials are hoping the new trash cans cut down on food waste, and, eventually, fewer rats.
"Pizza Rat will find no quarter in city parks soon enough, thanks to these pizza-ready trash cans," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "This is yet another creative way the Adams administration is improving quality of life for people, not pests."
The new rectangular trash bins resemble red-and-white checkered tablecloths seen in many local pizzerias and are meant to catch New Yorkers' attention.
One of the receptacles was placed in Central Park over the summer as part of a pilot program, and the results proved to be effective, according to the Central Park Conservancy.
"The early results show less jammed trash bins and surrounding litter, plus more recycled cardboard,” said Margaret Asaro, vice president for Park Maintenance and Facilities.
The new cans can also be found in Loreto Playground in the Bronx, Saratoga Park in Brooklyn, Father Demo Square in Manhattan, Sobelsohn Playground in Queens, and Jennifer's Playground on Staten Island.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.