Snowplows in September!
DSNY’s Snow Training Begins Sunday, September 26
New York City residents may notice a strange September sight – snowplows and salt spreaders on city streets! The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that its annual snow training will begin Sunday, September 26, and is planned to last 10 consecutive Sundays. During the Department’s training exercises, Workers will practice “plowing up” collection trucks, and will drive plows and salt spreaders along city streets.
The annual snow training gives Workers another chance to re-familiarize themselves with the equipment and routes. Additionally, it provides Workers a chance to see any city landscapes that may have changed, either from changes due to street work, or learning where Open Restaurants may be set up.
“Whether we are preparing equipment before the season starts, in the middle of a snowstorm, or reviewing our operations after winter is over, snow is on our minds all year,” said Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson. “Our in-the-field snow training really gives our workforce a chance to get back behind the wheel of a plow or salt spreader and re-familiarize themselves with the special skillset needed to navigate these vehicles though the ever changing landscape of the City.”
The Department’s snow planning operations require nearly year-round work, from maintaining and obtaining equipment, to reviewing routes, to training Workers, to communicating with the public. This year, the Department’s snow budget is $88.5 million, which is based on a formula set by the City charter, averaging the money spent in the last five snow seasons.
While the Department is responsible for plowing and salting most city streets and bike lanes, residents, business owners and property owners have responsibilities too, including clearing sidewalks of snow and ice. Learn more about NYC Sanitation snow operations and resident responsibilities, here: nyc.gov/snow.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
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